Update on rent convergence

Thank you to all the customers who completed our rent survey last year. Your feedback helped us prepare for the next stage of national rent policy. At the time, we explained that we were waiting for an update from the government on future rent rules. This update has now been published.

What the government has announced

The government has confirmed that rent convergence will be introduced from 2027/28.

Rent convergence means gradually aligning social housing rents to a standard ‘formula rent’ so that similar homes in similar areas are charged consistent rents. It’s about making rents fairer so that you don’t pay more or less rent than your neighbours.

As part of this:

• The permitted maximum increase for rent convergence will be £1 per week in 2027/28
• This will rise to £2 per week from 2028/29
• The maximum increase will then remain at £2 per week for the rest of the rent policy period.

In setting these limits, the government has said it considered the impact on rent payers, the cost to public spending, and the need for housing associations to continue building more social and affordable homes.

What this means for you

There is no immediate change for customers this year.

We will share more information closer to the time, so you know what to expect ahead of the 2027/28 rent year (starting in April 2027). We’ll also share information on support available if you need it.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to complete our survey. Your views continue to shape how we plan and communicate rent changes.