Social housing tenants in the West London borough of Hounslow are facing substantial increases in their housing costs this year, as the local authority moves to implement the maximum allowable rent rise under current legislation. The council has confirmed that social rents will increase by 4.8 per cent, the highest rate permitted by law, as part of its budget preparations for the 2026/2027 financial period.
Detailed Breakdown of Rent Increases
The rent hikes will affect thousands of council tenants across various property types, with the exact amount varying based on the size of the accommodation. For those residing in council-owned studio flats, the annual cost will rise by £271, bringing the monthly rent to £455.24. Tenants in one-bedroom properties will see an increase of £290 per year, resulting in a monthly rent of £486.12.
Residents in two-bedroom homes will face a £332 annual increase, with rent reaching £557.12 per month. Those living in three-bedroom properties can expect a £381 yearly rise, pushing the monthly rent to £638.84. The most significant increase is for tenants in four-bedroom homes, where rent will jump by £485 annually, amounting to £730.60 per month.
On average, council tenants in Hounslow will experience an annual rent increase of £334 during the 2026/2027 period. These adjustments are based on a government formula that sets social rents according to property size and value, known as the target rate.
Potential Additional Surcharge Under Consideration
There is a possibility that rents could increase even further through a policy being considered by the council called "rent convergence." Currently, approximately 11,400 properties in Hounslow are being let below their target rate, with tenants paying an average of £7 less per week than they potentially could.
The council is contemplating introducing a £1 per week surcharge for tenants in these properties. If approved, this measure is projected to generate an additional £500,000 annually for the authority. This funding would be ring-fenced specifically for housing repairs and the construction of new homes, though the government has yet to finalise the rules governing this policy.
Changes to Additional Fees and Charges
Alongside the rent increases, council tenants living on housing estates will see a rise in estate maintenance costs. The cabinet has voted in favour of increasing this charge by 18.2 per cent, which will cost residents an extra £28.62 per year. This increase has been implemented to cover the expenses associated with cleaning external communal areas, which were previously not included in the maintenance charge.
However, there is some positive news for certain tenants. Those connected to the council's district heating network can expect savings on their energy bills this year. The consumption charge will be reduced by an average of £2.94 per week, equating to £155.82 annually, due to lower gas tariffs.
These changes come as Hounslow Council navigates the complexities of social housing management and budget constraints, aiming to balance tenant affordability with necessary revenue generation for housing services and infrastructure improvements.
