It was all change for social housing providers whilst I was away last week, with the new consumer regulation regime coming into force with new Consumer Standards and Codes of Practice from the Regulator of Social Housing (as set out in Peter Hubbard's previous ebriefing available here) and the new Complaint Handling Code from the Housing Ombudsman (as set out in Catherine Simpson's previous ebriefing available here).

However, one thing that will be staying the same now until April 2026 is the rent settlement for social housing providers. 

Slightly hidden away, the Government has announced that the current settlement (which was due to end in April 2025) will be extended so that annual rent increases will continue to be capped at the change in Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1% for social housing properties. 

This includes affordable rent properties where the limit in increase applies to the total rent, inclusive of service charges.

The Government recognises that this brings certainty for both landlords and tenants at a time of great change. It is also perhaps not surprising with an election later this year.