Recently you will have received a booklet explaining your rent and, if applicable, any service charges you’ll need to pay from April.

As a community landlord, we follow Welsh Government’s new 10-year guidance on how rents are set. The 10-year rent settlement was introduced last year to make sure housing associations have enough money to maintain homes, provide services, and invest in communities. After receiving the guidance, we work out what this means in pounds andpence for all tenants to make sure rents remain affordable.

Speaking to tenants about this has been key. Last summer, we held a roadshow of workshops and face-to-face sessions, worked with TPAS Cymru, and gathered over 900 responses to our rent survey. 

These conversations have been invaluable, and we thank everyone who had their say. A major part of this process has been reviewing our affordability principles, which were developed with tenants – including a new one for Haven and supported housing.

These are:

• Principle 1: We will assess our rents against market rents, and the rents charged by other housing associations in the locality, and agree a proposal based upon the results.
• Principle 2: Our rents will be affordable in line with the Living Rent Model for households with tenants who earn a low wage.
• Principle 3: Our rents will take into consideration the number of bedrooms within the property.
• Principle 4: We will set out what tenants will receive for service charges, and will ensure the amount is fair, reasonable, and provides value for money.
• Principle 5: Rent and service charges for Haven and supported housing will be set fairly, taking account of the distinctive services and facilities provided, the nature of the buildings, and the need to safeguard affordability for tenants.

Get in touch:
If you’re worried about paying your rent, please contact us as soon as possible. 

Whether you’re in work or claiming benefits, there may be help available. Contact details for your designated rent officer and housing officer are included on page 3 of your rent booklet or call us on 0300 777 0000 for further advice.

• Where does my money go?