Rent and Service Charges of your Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sets my rent?
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This depends upon your type of tenancy. People who have become new tenants of Soho
Housing Association after 15 January 1989 are almost always assured tenants
and their rent is set by the Association. Tenants whose tenancy commenced
before 15 January 1989 are secure tenants, whose rent is set by the Rent
Officer. The Rent Officer is a public employee completely independent
of the Association.
How does the Rent Officer set the rent for secure tenants?
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After consultation with you, the Rent Officer will set a rent which he or she considers to
be a fair rent, taking into account the age, character and location of
the property. They are guided by fair rents for similar accommodation
in the area. They are to ignore the personal circumstances of both the
Association and the tenant. Rents are assessed every two years. The Association
must give you four weeks notice of any increase in rent and then charge
the new fair rent.
We are capping secure rents when they reach the level of assured rents.
How does the Association set the rent for assured tenants?
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The Association’s rent setting policy, which has been agreed by our Board, is reviewed regularly.
We are required to ensure that the rent covers our costs including mortgages, management, maintenance and a provision for future major repairs. We must also ensure
that rents are set at levels within reach of those in low paid employment
and that they take into account the size, age, features and location of
the flat. We cannot take into account the individual financial circumstances
of tenants.
Assured rents are calculated by using a points scheme. To calculate the assured rent
on a flat, the relevant points are added together and multiplied by the
amount per point. The Board will review the amount charged per point at
least once a year. Should the amount per point produce a rent less than
an equivalent fair rent, the latter will be charged. A copy of the point
system is available from the office.
The tenancy agreement allows the Association to review the rent annually. Once again,
four weeks notice must be given if your rent is being increased.
Rents were frozen for the years 1999 and 2000 and increased by 3% in 2001.
Can I appeal against the rent level set?
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If you disagree with the rent set for your flat by either the Rent Officer or the Association,
you may appeal to the Rent Assessment Committee. We strongly recommend
that you consult your Housing Officer, the Citizens Advice Bureau or a
similar organisation before taking such a step as rents referred to the
Rent Assessment Committee may be increased. The Rent Assessment Committee
will compare rents set by Soho Housing Association for assured tenancies
to market rents in the area. Their final decision is binding.
When do I pay a service charge?
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If you have a tenancy where we provide extra services, your weekly rent will include
a service charge. Services which may be included in your rent are:
- Cleaning of common parts
- Lighting of common parts
- Television aerials
- Entryphone
- Gardening
- Lift maintenance
- Caretaking / wardens
- Fire alarm systems
These are not all the services that may be provided - your own are written in your
service charge schedule.
When should the rent be paid?
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All rents are due weekly in advance each Monday.
If you wish, you may be able to pay your rent each calendar month. To calculate this,
multiply your weekly rent by 52 (the number of weeks in the year). This
will give you the total amount of rent due for one year. Then divide this
sum by 12 to give you the amount of rent due each calendar month. If you
pay this way, you must pay at the start of every month.
(Note: If you pay your rent every calendar month, it is important that you pay the
correct amount, following the above calculation. Do not simply multiply
the weekly rent by four. This will not give you your correct monthly rate,
and your account will fall into rent arrears.)
Your account must always be in credit.
How can it be paid?
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There are several ways of paying:
- Standing Order. We will complete a Standing Order form for you to sign and take to your bank
- At the Office. You can use your rent book to pay by cheque over the counter
at the Association’s office. However, we do not accept cash in
the office.
- By post. Cheques should be crossed and made payable to Soho Housing Association
Limited. Please write your name and address on the back of the cheque
and send a slip from your giro / rent book.
- At a Post Office. You can be supplied with a swipe card, which will allow
you to pay your rent in cash at any post office in the country. The
plastic swipe card is unique to you and will have your tenant number
embossed on it. For your records, the Post Office will give you a till
receipt with details of your payment.
Who pays the water rates?
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Tenants are normally responsible for paying water rates directs to the Thames Water
Authority.
The Association may collect water rates on behalf of tenants living in blocks of flats
with only one water meter. This will show on your service charge schedule.
Can I get help to pay the rent?
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Housing Benefit is the name of the Government’s scheme for helping people on low
incomes meet the cost of rent. The scheme is complex, but the Association’s
staff will be able to advise you whether you should make a claim to the
local authority. Please contact us if you would like more information.
Forms and leaflets are available from the Association or the local authority.
What should I do if I have difficulty in paying the rent?
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The first thing to so if you have a problem in paying your rent is to contact the
Association. Our staff are trained to help people who are having financial
trouble. Please let us know if you have any difficulties and we will do
our best to help. Don’t forget – you may be eligible for Housing
Benefit.
Rent arrears
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Your tenancy agreement includes an agreement to pay your rent every week in advance.
We need the rent from you and all residents on time, so that we can provide the best
services possible.
If you are having problems paying your rent, contact our office immediately. Don’t
put this off. It is very important that you discuss this with us before
the arrears get too large. If you contact us we will always help you and
look for some mutually acceptable arrangement to clear any debt - for
example in instalments.
We want to help you resolve any problems with your rent as quickly as possible, so
that they don’t get any worse. But please bear in mind that if you
persistently fail to pay your rent on time, the Association will seek
repossession of your home.
If you receive any letters about arrears, contact your Housing Officer immediately.
If you have any queries about your rent account, such as your current balance, please
contact your team of Customer Service Officers.
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