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Your 2026/27 rent and service charge update
Every year we review rents in line with national Government guidance. We know any increase can feel worrying, so we want to explain what’s changing and how we’re here to support you.
What’s changing from April 2026?
From April 2026, most tenants will see a 4.8% rent increase. This follows the Government’s formula for social housing rents:
last September’s CPI inflation rate (3.8%) + 1%.
If you’re a shared owner, your rent will change according to the terms of your lease, including how the increase is calculated and when it starts.
You may also see changes to your service charges, which cover shared services such as gardening, cleaning, communal lighting and shared utilities.
If you live in Sheltered Housing, Extra Care or an Independent Living Scheme, your charges reflect the additional support services provided.
Your rent letter will explain exactly what’s changing for you.
How are rents set?
Social housing providers follow Government guidelines when setting rents. These use a national formula linked to inflation, specifically the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
Each year, the increase is usually calculated as:
September’s CPI inflation rate + 1%
Last September, CPI was 3.8%, which means rents can increase by up to 4.8%.
This is the increase we’re applying for 2026/27.
This CPI+1% approach helps keep rents predictable and affordable across the sector. It also helps landlords plan responsibly for home maintenance, building safety, and the essential services people rely on.
Why are rents increasing?
We understand that rising costs affect everyone. Like many organisations, our costs have gone up - including repairs, building materials, contractor costs and energy for communal areas.
Keeping rents in line with inflation helps us to:
- maintain and improve homes
- provide essential services
- meet building safety and legal requirements
- invest in new homes and community support.
Without this increase, we wouldn’t be able to cover rising costs and continue investing in the services that our communities rely on.
Your rent increase letter
You’ll receive your personal rent letter by the end of February 2026.
It will include:
- your new rent amount
- any changes to your service charges
- how your increase was calculated
- information about our upcoming change to Be One Homes.
Please read it carefully when it arrives. If anything in your letter feels unclear, we’re here to help.
Support if you’re worried about money
If you’re finding things difficult, please don’t keep it to yourself.
Talking to us early can make a real difference.
Our friendly Money Advice Team offers free, confidential support, including:
- help with budgeting
- benefit checks
- managing arrears
- advice around Universal Credit or Housing Benefit changes.
Call: 01204 328000
Email: moneyadviceteam@boltonathome.org.uk
Frequently asked questions
Why am I paying more?
We follow Government guidelines when reviewing rents. Inflation has increased the cost of repairs, materials and energy. The rent increase helps us keep your home safe, warm and well‑maintained.
Is the rent increase linked to the rebrand?
No. Rent changes follow Government guidance each year and are based on inflation - not our organisational name change.
What do I need to do if I’m on Universal Credit?
Update your Universal Credit journal on or after 1 April 2026 with your new charges.
Updating too early could lead to incorrect payments.
What if I receive Housing Benefit?
You’ll need to tell your Local Authority about your new charges.
We also send rent schedules to most councils to support their updates.
If you need help, just ask
We understand this change comes at a time when many people are already managing rising costs. You’re not alone.
We’re here to talk things through and support you.