From the 1st July 2023 our rent charges are changing and for most of our customers they will be going up by 5%.
From the 22nd May we will write to all our customers to confirm exactly what the new rent will be from the 1st July.
This is the first rent increase that we have applied to the majority of our properties since we were first established in 2015. This is due to rising costs particularly around repairs and utilities and we have taken the very difficult decision to implement a below inflation rent increase to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver quality services and new properties for people seeking rented accommodation in Blackpool.
Your Questions Answered
I receive full Housing Benefit to pay my rent, do I need to do anything about the rent increase?
Yes, you will need to contact Housing Benefit to update your claim. Your Housing Benefit payments will not necessarily increase in-line with the Rent increase. If your rent is more than your Housing Benefit entitlement you will need to pay the remainder of your rent direct to us. You can pay this over the phone by card, in our office by card or cash, you can pay your rent online at www.myblackpoolhome.co.uk, you will need to contact us for your payment reference number if you don’t already have one. You can also contact us to set up a Standing Order or Direct Debit on 01253 477222.
I receive partial Housing Benefit towards my rent, do I need to do anything about the rent increase?
Yes, you will need to contact Housing Benefit to update your claim. You will need to ensure the remainder of your rent charged is covered by the payment method you use and increase payments if needed. If you pay the remainder of your rent by Direct Debit we will alter your Direct Debit payment accordingly and write to you with the new payment amount.
I claim Universal Credit, do I need to do anything about the rent increase?
Yes, you will need to report your rent increase to Universal Credit using your online Journal. You will need to ensure the remainder of your rent charged is covered by the payment method you use and increase payments if needed. If you pay the remainder of your rent by Direct Debit we will alter your Direct Debit payment accordingly and write to you with the new payment amount.
I’m on Universal Credit and my rent is paid directly to My Blackpool Home, do I need to do anything?
Yes, you will need to report your rent increase to Universal Credit using your online Journal. Universal Credit will continue to make the payments directly to My Blackpool Home if this has already been setup. You will need to ensure the remainder of your rent charged is covered by the payment method you use and increase payments if needed. If you pay the remainder of your rent by Direct Debit we will alter your Direct Debit payment accordingly and write to you with the new payment amount.
I pay my rent by Direct Debit, do I need to do anything about the rent increase?
No, your Direct Debit will be amended in line with the rent increase. You will receive a letter advising when this has been done and your new Direct Debit amount.
I pay my rent by Standing Order, do I need to do anything?
Yes, you will need to change the Standing Order payment amount directly with your bank. You can do this via your online banking if you use this. If you would like to change from Standing Order to Direct Debit, please complete the enclosed mandate and return this to our office. If you change from Standing Order to Direct Debit you will need to cancel your Standing Order directly with your bank. We are committed to supporting our tenants and have enclosed some helpful information on what you need to do next but if you are still unsure or if you are concerned about paying your rent then please contact a member of the team on 01253 477222 or call into our office at 348-350 Lytham Road, Blackpool, FY4 1DW.
