What is rent and How is it Calculated?
Rent is a weekly charge paid by tenants for the occupancy of their home. More
Paying your rent
- By cash or cheque
- By post
- Direct debits or bank standing orders
- Swipe card
- Housing Benefit paid directly to Mercian
- Debit or credit card payments
- By telephone More
What is rent and How is it Calculated?
Rent is a weekly charge paid by residents for the occupancy of their home.
What is a service charge?
Service charges are made for the use of communal facilities at housing schemes. These could include:
- Lighting
- Lifts
- Cleaning
- Management costs
- Gardening
- The service charge will include an amount for some repairs to the communal facilities
How will my rent change?
You will be advised of your rent and the date it is due at the beginning of your tenancy. You are required to pay your rent on time. The rent will change yearly or every two years depending on your type of tenancy and prior notice of any change will be given.
If I am a joint tenant who should pay the rent?
Both tenants are liable for the rent and rent arrears. Mercian can recover any rent owed from both or either tenant. If one joint tenant leaves, the remaining tenant or tenants are responsible for any rent still owed.
For more information on Tenancy types, click here.
Supporting People
Supporting People is a Government initiative aimed at helping vulnerable people. For instance, if you live in a sheltered housing scheme you will receive support from a sheltered scheme officer and have a community alarm service, for which you will be charged.
This depends on your type of tenancy:
Assured rents
Since April 2003 Mercian has set its rents in line with the Governments new policy on rent restructuring which is based on 'formula rents', also known as 'target rents'. The Government is giving all housing associations and councils 10 years to comply with the new rent restructuring system, meaning they must ensure that rents reflect the property's size, value and the average income of people living in the same county.
Secure rents
These are set by an independent Rent Officer who considers the location, type and size of the property. These rents are set on a two-year basis.
For more information about the different types of tenancy, click here.
Are you a Mercian resident? Why not tell us your views by answering our Question of the Month.
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