RENT AND SERVICE CHARGE INCREASES FOR HOMEOWNERS

In February, you will have received a letter stating changes to your rent & service charges. We set your rent in line with the terms and conditions of your lease, which normally states that your rent can be increased by RPI + 0.5-2%. September’s RPI was 12.6% and November’s RPI was 14%, however we have decided to voluntarily implement the 7% social rent increase cap to our leasehold and shared ownership customers as well. This is in line with National Housing Federation recommendation for the 2023/24 financial year.an improved service to our customers and hep fund our building safety work, making sure you are safe in your home.

For more information on changes to your rent & service charges, please visit our website

In light of recent government advice and pending legislation, we are preparing to undertake a programme of periodic fire door checks across our properties. This is a crucial inspection as fire doors play an essential role in preventing or inhibiting the spread of smoke and toxic gases and in preserving the effective compartmentation of buildings.

We are working in partnership with Savills to create a door register and programme of inspections. This will enable us to carry out periodic inspections and continue to ensure all doors in our blocks meet the required standards and that they are properly maintained.

Over the coming weeks, a Savills operative will attend your block and place a small adhesive QR code label on every door within the communal areas, including flat entrance doors.

The QR code labels are small and discreet, measuring 20mm x 20mm, and they will be placed in the top corner of each door on the hinge side. This label simply allows us to record information on the type/condition of the door and log future inspections. The Savills operative will cause no disruption in the course of their visits. They will be in Savills uniform and will carry their ID badge at all times.

Following the fitting of the QR code label, a Savills operative will attend your block at least once every 3 months to undertake fire door inspections. They are required to inspect every flat entrance door at least annually, so they may knock on your door during one of their visits and ask permission to inspect your door on both sides. This inspection should only take a few minutes at most, and we ask that you please allow access.

Your assistance and support are greatly appreciated as we work together to ensure the safety of all our residents. If you have any questions at all, please get in touch and our team would be delighted to help.