Under the terms of your tenancy agreement, we are allowed to review your rent every twelve months. Arches manages over 1300 properties across Sheffield, Rotherham and North Derbyshire, and the money we receive in rent means we can continue to provide services like repairs and improvements to your homes and communities.
We conduct our rent reviews each year to take effect from the first Monday in April. This year, the new charges apply from 7th April.
Similar to other housing providers, the rent you pay Arches is determined and subsequently increased according to the terms of your tenancy agreement or lease agreement. The elements that make up the total rent are detailed in the agreement and comprise of a net rent and for some residents a service charge.
Your annual rent increase this year will be 2.7% from April 2025.
The rate of change applied to your service charge, if applicable, may be different and this will be due to adjustments made to reflect increases or decreases in items classed as service charges. This year, the new charges apply from Monday 7th April 2025.
Arches is a not for profit organisation, so the money we receive is spent on providing good quality, affordable housing for our residents. Our aim is to invest in people and communities, and a significant amount of this money is invested back into the areas in which you live.
A service charge is a payment to cover the costs of services and repairs beyond your rent. Not everyone will need to pay a service charge. If you need to pay a service charge, this will be made clear at the beginning of your tenancy or leasehold and in your contract. It will also state in your rent review notification what your new service charge is and the items covered by the charge.
The cost of the service charge is shared between everyone who benefits from the service. The service charge covers things like:
Yes, when there is a legal requirement or we make significant changes. We also hold scrutiny projects twice a year, often covering services paid for through a service charge.
If you pay your rent by direct debit we will amend your direct debit from 1st April 2025.
If you receive housing benefit and this is paid directly to us, we will notify the Council of the new charge. If you receive housing benefit and it is paid to you then you must notify the council of the rent increase by taking them the copy of your rent increase letter by 1st April 2025.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit you will need to notify the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of the new charge by updating your journal, and Arches will then be invited to verify the rent increase.
If you pay a service charge and the service charge states ‘not eligible for housing benefit or HB’ you must continue to make these payments yourself.
With the increases to the cost of living, we understand that essential items such as food and gas and electric has been sharply rising. If you are struggling to pay your rent, we are here to help, and we ask that you please contact Arches as soon as possible. We may be able to signpost you for local support or assist you to access additional financial grants.
The final cost of living payment, was paid in February 2024. This payment did not need to be claimed for; and was sent out automatically to bank accounts. As far as we are aware there are no plans from the government to continue with cost of living payments. Although the cost of living payments has ended, there are other support schemes from the local council that could offer some help.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a key way to do this. This is a £421 million fund from the central government which helps people struggling to pay for their day to day essentials and can be access through the local council.
https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/cost-of-living/apply-household-support-fund
https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/council-tax-benefits/household-support-fund
We always want your feedback, whether it's positive or negative - it's how we learn and improve. You can contact us on 0114 2288100, email us at info@archeshousing.org.uk or check our website www.archeshousing.org where we have more information on our feedback and complaints process.
