Resident guidance: Rented tenants - Last updated 31 July 2026
Rents and rent setting
This page gives an overview of how we set and review the rent for Anchor properties and what your rent payment covers.
In this guidance you’ll find:
- Understanding different types of rented properties
- How we set and review rent
- What is included in your rent
- How rents are calculated
- If you believe your rent increase is incorrect
- Help and support with understanding your rent
- Free advice on money matters
Understanding different types of rented properties
At Anchor the majority of our rented properties are classed as social rented housing. This means that the amount of rent set, the amount we can increase it by and how often, is set by the Government through the Rent Standard and Rent Policy Statement.
Affordable rented housing also follows the Government rules, however the way we calculate amounts we are allowed to charge is slightly different.
There are some types of rented properties types that are not subject to the same rules. These include:
- Shared ownership and market rent properties, where rent is set in line with the terms of your lease or tenancy agreement.
- Secure tenancies.
- Specialised Supported Housing.
- Properties managed under individual agreements such as our Coventry Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract.
These properties are not covered by the explanation in this resident guidance article. If you would like further details, please speak to your location manager.
How we set and review rent
Our objective is to keep rents fair, affordable and compliant with government and regulatory requirements.
Before you sign your tenancy agreement we will tell you what the rent for your home will be and when it will next be reviewed. This information will also be in the tenancy agreement.
We review rents every year, usually from 1 April. As explained above, for most social and affordable rent homes, annual increases are limited by government rent rules. The current Rent Standard framework allows increases of up to: Consumer Price Index (CPI) as at September + 1%
In advance of the rent uplift we seek resident’s views through our Resident Council. Anchor’s Board then considers feedback from the Resident Council in making their final decision whether the rent uplift is to be applied.
You will receive a letter advising you of any change in your rent in the timescales set out in your tenancy agreement.
What is included in your rent
Your rent is the amount paid for occupying your home under your tenancy agreement. It also generally covers major repairs and investment into the building and costs of running Anchor's central support services, such as IT, finance and HR.
Some other charges may be payable to Anchor for living in the property, such as: service charges, utility charges, support costs and catering costs. These charges are separate from rent and where appropriate explained within your tenancy agreement or service charge information.
How rents are calculated
Social rented properties
The rent for social rented properties is based on a formula set by the government which considers:
- The value of the property as at January 1999
- The number of bedrooms
- Average earnings in the local area
The Regulator of Social Housing allows housing providers to charge rents at formula rent plus a permitted tolerance. Anchor uses these allowances to reflect the costs of providing sheltered and supported housing.
Affordable rented properties
Affordable rents may be used on certain homes developed through Homes England, the Greater London Authority or other approved funding programmes.
These rents:
- Cannot exceed 80% of local market rent
- Must comply with regulatory requirements
- Cannot be lower than the property's formula rent
- Can only increase annually by up to September CPI + 1%
If you believe your rent increase is incorrect
In the first instance contact us to discuss this further. Most rent levels are controlled by government regulations. However, you as the tenant, have the right to challenge a proposed rent increase.
Where applicable, you can refer a proposed rent change to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) after receiving the required notice from Anchor. The Tribunal will determine whether the proposed rent is reasonable.
Help and support with understanding your rent
If you need extra support to understand your rent, have questions or want something explained in a different way, please let us know; we want our charges to be understandable for everyone. You can speak to your location manager or contact the Customer Experience Hub on 0800 731 2020.
Free advice on money matters
If you're concerned about affordability, our BeWise team can provide free confidential advice and support to help you maximise your income and identify any assistance that may be available. Call the Be Wise team on 0800 023 4477 or email [email protected].
You can read more about the support available with arrears and paying bills here.
More guidance on rent, fees and service charges
Related information for residents on charges and payments relating to your home.
