Rent increase 2009/10
The Council has decided not to implement the 5.5% rent increase
that was due to come into effect from 6th April 2009. A
lower rent increase for the financial year 2009/10 will now be
applied, which equates to a full year rise of 2.9%. The increase
will come into effect on 1st June 2009.
If you are a tenant you will have received a
rent notification letter, advising you of your new rent
charge.
Here are some frequently asked questions about
the rent increase:
Q: My rent is paid by Housing Benefit.
What do I need to do?
A: We have notified Housing
Benefit of your changes in rent and eligible charges. You will be
notified by the Housing Benefit service of your new entitlement.
They will make your rent payments to us as usual.
If you have any queries in relation to your
Housing Benefit entitlement please contact the Housing Benefit
service centre on 020 7364 5001.
Q: I pay my rent by standing order.
What do I do?
A: You will receive a revised
standing order mandate from the rent accounting team advising you
of your new payment amounts.
Q: I pay by Direct Debit. What do I
do?
A: You do not need to take
any action. We will continue to claim your direct debit based on
your existing rent and any arrangement you may already have in
place.
If you have not paid your April 2009 rent
payment this will be collected from your bank account on 14 May
2009.
Your May 2009 direct debit will be collected
on 20 May 2009.
We will write to you in advance to notify you
of your direct debit payment dates.
Q: I can not afford to increase my
payments. What should I do?
A: To avoid any arrears
building up, you should always try to pay your rent charges in
full. It will become more difficult to clear any outstanding debt
as well as making current rent payments. Please remember, not
paying your rent is a breach of your tenancy agreement and you risk
losing your home. Tower Hamlets Homes will take debt recovery
action against you, on behalf of the Council if your rent account
goes into arrears.
Please contact your arrears officer on 020
7364 3333 or 020 7364 3366 to discuss your situation.
Q: Where can I get more information
about the rent increase?
A: If you have any queries in
relation to your rent increase notification or payment method,
please contact the rent accounting team on 020 7364 2200