How your rent is changing this April 2026
On 1 April 2026, your rent as an Eastlight tenant will increase by 4.8%*.
We know that any change in rent can feel challenging and may impact your household budget. If you’re worried, or finding it difficult to manage your payments, please reach out to us. We’re here to listen and support you.
By the middle of March, your rent increase letter and leaflet will confirm the amount you need to pay and the types of support Eastlight and our partners can offer.
You won’t lose your home if you’re struggling to pay your rent. All we ask is that you reach out early and work with us to manage any arrears you have together
*If you're a shared owner, your rent will change based on your lease agreement with Eastlight.
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Why has your rent gone up?
The Government decides the most rent can go up by. This year, the limit is 4.8%. This is worked out using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which shows how much the cost of everyday things like food, gas and travel has gone up, plus an extra 1%.
Our Board agreed to the rent increase by following the Government’s rules. The Board includes Eastlight residents and members of the Customer Influence Committee.
As a not-for-profit housing association, every £1 we receive goes back into the services you want and need. However, rising costs have affected how we deliver the services you depend on, like repairs to your home, essential safety checks and estate improvements.
Your rent is essential in helping us continue providing this support. It also allows us to keep improving services, respond quickly when things go wrong, and fund projects that make a real difference to you and your neighbours.
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I'm worried about paying my rent. Can I speak to someone?
Yes, our Customer Services Team are on hand to support you. They can provide clear guidance, answer questions and signpost you to additional support if you need it. Please call us on 0330 128 0330.
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Where does your rent money go?
Every part of your rent money goes back into improving your services and investing in your communities, so you can live happily in your home and neighbourhood. This includes:
- Carrying our more than 40,000 repairs in your homes
- Completing more than 10,000 gas inspections
- Replacing around 500 boilers
- Building 310 new homes in local communities
Fairer, clearer service charges
A service charge is an additional payment you may make to cover the cost of services you receive to your home or that benefit your building or estate – like communal cleaning and lighting, repairs to shared spaces, and grounds maintenance.
If you pay a service charge, you may see some changes in your rent letter on how your costs have been calculated.
Until now, many charges have been based on the previous year’s spending, which can lead to outdated figures. We’ve listened to your feedback, and we’re now setting service charges based on estimated costs for the year ahead, providing a clearer, more accurate view of expected spending.
We’re also looking to:
- Strengthen our oversight of managing agents
- Complete regular checks so your services match the needs of your neighbourhood
- Improve how we manage contracts and utilities
- Review the maximum amount service charges can go up each year, so your costs stay fair and consistent.
If you have any questions about your service charges, please contact us.
