Rent and service charges 2026/27 - information and FAQs

Information about changes to your rent and service charges and why this happening, how we use your rent and support available if you are struggling to pay your rent.

Rent change from April 2026

Each year we need to set a rent that is as fair as possible for customers, and one which means we can keep on providing and investing in our customer homes and services.

We have made the decision to increase rents in line with the Government’s rent setting policy which is an increase of 4.8% from April 2026. If you are a shared owner your rent increase is specific to your individual lease.

Increasing rent for our customers is not a decision we take lightly. Our Finance and Customer Services Directors met with our Resident Engagement Panel to talk through the proposed increase and the different options available.

This was a detailed and open discussion where the panel members asked important questions, particularly about affordability and value for money.  Together they looked at how rent income supports investment in homes and services, and what it would mean for customers if rents did not increase.

Panel members were also invited to share further feedback through a follow-up survey.  Their views were shared with the board.

Following this process, we felt that to keep investing in our services to customers and in our homes, a rent increase was required.

Benefits and rent payments

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Inland Revenue and Customs (HMRC) benefits are linked to inflation rise of 3.8% in April 2026.  Universal Credit standard allowances will receive an additional uplift of 2.3%.  The basic and new State Pension will increase by 4.8% from April 2026.

So, if you use housing benefit, universal credit, or another benefit to pay your rent, you will see these payments rise from April.

However, some customers tell us that they are finding things tough at the moment. If you’re worried about being able to pay, there are ways we can help. 

We are here to help

Your rent increase explained

Social housing rents are set in line with the government’s rent standard. This allows rent increases up to a maximum of 1% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) each September. CPI is a measure of inflation which shows changes in the price of goods and services. In September 2025, the CPI was 3.8% so adding 1% brings the maximum rent increase to 4.8%.

For Shared Ownership, the rent increase is specific to the individual lease.

How we use rent income

As a not-for-profit housing association, the rent increase means we can continue investing in services for customers, maintaining and improving homes, and building affordable housing in Bristol and the surrounding area.

Last year, we invested £4.5 million in our homes. £70,000 was spent on supporting customers, community development and resident engagement. And £9.9 million has been invested in providing new homes for customers in housing need in the Bristol area. 

What happens next

We will send all residents a ‘notice of rent change 2026 -2027’ letter by the end of February that details your rent payment from April 2026. It will also have details about changes to any service charges you pay.

The letter will include details of what you need to do about your rent change if you receive housing benefit, universal credit or pay rent by standing order or direct debit.

You can also read our rent and service charge FAQs for more information about what you need to do.

Your proposed service charges explained

Your ‘notice of rent change 2026-2027′ letter includes confirmation of any service charges you will pay from April 2026. While we’ve made savings where possible, rising cost outside our control like energy and the costs of materials to carry out repairs and home improvements, may mean your service charge has gone up.

If you have any questions about your proposed service charges, please get in touch. Email RentandServiceCharges@brighterplaces.co.uk or call 0117 942 4600. We will look into any queries and get back to you if we need to make any changes.