Tenant Rent and Service Charges Policy

This policy outlines how Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (the council) will calculate, consult and charge rent and service charges for our Housing Revenue Account (HRA) owned stock that we have responsibility to manage and maintain.

Effective Date: 

1 April 2026

Review Date:

1 January 2027

Author:

Income and Home Ownership Manager

Policy Owned by:

Executive Director (Finance and Transformation)

Statute:

Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 (including amendments)

Policy statement on rents for social housing Feb 19 – (MHCLG) Housing Act 1985 Section 24

Local Government and Housing Act 1989 Section 76

Social Housing Rents (Exceptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2016  

National Standards and Guidance

Rent Standard Guidance 2020 – Ministry of Housing

Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) Rent Standard (Regulator of Social Housing)

Related Policies

Equalities Policy

Data Protection Policy

Financial Regulations

1.1 This policy applies to all tenants who have a secure or flexible tenancy with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council as well as equity share properties.

1.2 This policy applies to licenses for temporary accommodation of properties held within the Housing Revenue Account.

1.3 The council has not de-pooled rent and service charges, and only levies services charges on newly developed properties, or for new/enhanced services introduced. The policy outlines circumstances under which service charges are payable, and the types of services charged for.

1.4 This policy does not include the setting of service charges for leaseholders.