Calculating rent and service charges and financial help available
News
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02 April 2025
Each year we review your rent and service charges to ensure we can continue to invest in our homes, provide essential services and meet the demand for repairs.
We understand this may have an impact on you. If you are concerned you will not be able to make these payments, please contact us and we will discuss the options and support available to you.
The way your rent is calculated depends on the type of home you live in and the tenancy or agreement you have with us. Factors such as your tenancy or agreement type, start date, and specific terms in your agreement can also affect your rent. Read how this differs across tenancy types here.
This year to give better clarity on what is included in your service charges, we explained what charge was covered in each group. For example
|
Service Charge name |
Explanation of charges |
Leasehold / Shared Ownership |
Rented incl. Affordable, intermediate / market rent |
|
Audit Fees |
For independently commissioned annual review of our service charges and ensure they are correct and fair. |
✓ |
|
|
Building Insurance |
Provide building insurance for your block, protecting against any structural damage. If you are charged for this, it is estimated based on the value of your individual property. |
✓ |
|
|
Building safety |
Fees relate to our response to ensure we comply with new building safety legislation to ensure our buildings are as safe as possible. |
✓ |
✓ |
|
CCTV, satellite and aerial |
Costs for maintaining and operating any security cameras in communal areas and for maintaining shared television aerials for a clear signal. |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Caretaking / cleaning service |
Cleaning of internal and external shared areas like entrances, hallways, bin stores, stairs. This includes cost of materials, equipment, deep cleans, and staff costs. |
✓ |
✓ |
If you do not receive a service listed, you would not be charged for it. Service charges are calculated using the costs of running and maintaining the property and building for the financial year. These costs are divided among the residents, usually in proportion to the size of their unit or according to the terms of their lease or agreement.
We follow a rigorous process that includes budgeting, regular financial reviews, and audits to ensure that service charges are managed accurately and effectively. We are committed to transparency and accountability in how these funds are handled.
If you are unhappy about a new charge, you should contact us directly. You can email enquiries@originhousing.org.uk or call us on 0300 323 0325.
If you are struggling to pay your rent and service charges, we have help available for you.
The Income Team are here to help Origin residents manage your money. If you are worried about paying your rent or difficult to manage your money, then please book an appointment. The team will be able to help you as they can:
- Help you to make a budget
- Arrange a payment plan with you
- Help you prioritise your debts
- Help you access any Benefit Support you might be entitled to