The guidelines require all councils and social landlords to charge the same rent for a similar property in a similar neighbourhood.

The calculation is made up of 2 elements, 70% is based on figures provided by the Government, the other 30% is determined by the property valuation as at January 1999.  A fixed date was chosen by the Government to ensure a national approach.

A Target Rent has been set for each type of property, the Government has set a limit on how much the rent can be increased per year, the maximum being inflation plus £2 per week.

Rent - what is included?

Your rent includes:

• Basic rent
  This is the price you pay for the use of your home
  
• Other charges
  These may include service charges which relate specifically to your property such as concierge.  They can also include charges for services you may have requested like tenants insurance or a furniture pack.

Rent is charged and payable on a weekly basis.  If your payments are up to date there are three non payment weeks during the year, two of which normally fall over the Christmas period and one at the end of March.

Water charges are collected by Northumbrian Water, except in sheltered and other blocks which have a metered supply.