Following a record response to this year’s consultation, Melville rents will increase by 1%, or roughly 87p a week (based on an average monthly Melville rent of £375), from 1 April 2021.

209 households (slightly more than 10% of Melville tenancies) responded to this year’s survey, in which we consulted on possible increases of 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%.

61% of those that responded said they supported a rise of at least 1.5%, however in light of feedback and the toll that COVID-19 lockdowns have taken over the past year, Melville’s Board took the decision to go for a lower increase.

We know that finding extra money for any increase will be difficult for some tenants and anyone who is struggling to pay their rent, for whatever reason, should contact their housing officer who will do everything they can to help. Melville can provide free money advice, welfare benefits advice and tenancy support.

When considering rents for the coming year we did look at the possibility of a rent freeze, however doing this for just one year would take £7million out of our budget over 30 years.

This is a significant amount of money which would reduce any investment in our tenants’ homes and that would ultimately only lead to higher rent increases in future years if we want to keep them to the best standard possible.

On top of continuing to replace kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems, Melville plans to make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of our existing properties, ensuring all properties have robust fire and gas detection measures in place and fitting sprinkler systems in all new properties.

Other positive findings showed that the vast majority (82%) of tenants who replied find Melville’s rents affordable while 81% are happy with the service they currently receive.

You can read the full findings of the survey here.