Your charges

If we've spent less than what we estimated, we’ll credit your rent account.

If you pay by direct debit, your November payment will be reduced by the amount owed. If your account is in arrears, we’ll use the credit to reduce what you owe.

If it's more than what we estimated, we’ll add the amount to your rent account.

• If it’s less than £150, it’ll be added to your November payment.

• If it’s more than £150, we’ll spread the cost: £150 in November, then monthly until the balance is cleared.

If this repayment plan doesn’t work for you, please get in touch and we can help.

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This covers the cost of having your property’s year-end accounts checked by an independent expert. It’s best practice and gives you peace of mind that all the costs listed in your year-end accounts are accurate and fair.

We charge this fee to cover the cost of working with the external agent who helps manage your estate — making sure services run smoothly and your shared spaces are well looked after.

Protecting your home against structural damage. Building insurance is a legal requirement for homeowners with a mortgage. Because Sparrow still owns part of your home, we arrange this cover for you – working with specialists to get the best value and protection. Our policy covers thousands of homes, so you benefit from strong cover at a competitive rate.

Like stairwells, hallways and entrances.

Keeping shared parts of your building working and in good condition.

Including alarms, emergency lighting, dry risers and fire door checks.

Where applicable.

Including fire safety, water testing, electrical inspections and compliance repairs.

Keeping shared outdoor areas clean and safe, including grass cutting and path clearing.

This is the cost for Sparrow managing your home. It covers things like preparing your actual and estimated charges, managing your lease, setting up services when needed, and answering your questions.

Fees paid to external agents who manage your estate’s services.

A sinking fund is a non-refundable reserve set aside for large, planned capital improvements to your building or estate over time. It’s not used for emergency or reactive repairs, but for future investments that protect and enhance the long-term value of your home.

Rent increases in affordable housing are shaped by a few things: government policies, what’s set out in your tenancy agreement, changes in the wider economy, and local market rents. This helps make sure rent stays fair and in line with what’s happening both locally and nationally.

Your rent goes up in line with annual inflation, just as set out in your lease. Sometimes, it may also reflect rising service charge costs. You’ll get a full breakdown of your new rent and service charges in your annual rent review letter (February).

Your rent is reviewed at the start of each financial year (April).

We use the Retail Price Index (RPI) from the previous November and add 0.5%. This helps us keep pace with rising costs while staying fair and consistent - and this can’t be changed.

For 2025-26, your rent will increase by 4.1%.

Your rent will only increase once a year, in line with the law.

We’ll always write to you in advance to explain any changes to your rent or services — giving you plenty of notice before your bills change.

Missing rent payments is a really serious matter, and we urge you to take it seriously. If you don’t pay your arrears, we may need to recover any legal costs from you.

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your monthly payments as a shared owner, you’re not alone—and there’s help available. You might find these resources useful:

• Shared Ownership Scheme: Information on your responsibilities and where to get support.

• Affordable Home Ownership Schemes: Guidance on financial help for homeowners.

• Shared Ownership Mortgages: Advice and services if you’re struggling with affordability.

If you need support or want to talk things through, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’re here to help.