Your charges

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 2026-27, your rent will increase by 4.3%.

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.

If you’re worried about money or struggling to manage your rent or service charge payments, free and impartial help is available. You might find these resources useful:

• MoneyHelper: Free, impartial guidance on money, debt, budgeting and benefits

• Citizens Advice: Free, confidential and impartial advice. They can also help people understand their rights and options if they’re struggling with payments.

• StepChange Debt Charity: National debt charity offering free, confidential advice and support, including debt assessments and repayment plans. Appropriate where customers are struggling with arrears or ongoing affordability.

• National Debtline: Free, independent debt advice, with clear guidance on managing debts, priority bills (including housing costs), and dealing with creditors.

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.

If we've spent less than what we estimated, we’ll credit your account in November 2027.

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 your services cost more than what we estimated, we’ll add the amount to your account in November 2027.

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

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This fee covers 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.

Every year, an independent specialist reviews your accounts. It’s best practice across the sector and ensures your year‑end statement is accurate, fair and fully compliant.

This charge protects your home against structural damage. Building insurance is a legal requirement if you have a mortgage, and because Sparrow still owns part of your home, we arrange this cover for you. We work with specialist insurers to make sure you receive strong protection and good long‑term value.

If you need to make a claim, please contact Sparrow first. We’ll guide you to the correct insurer or loss adjuster, so your claim is handled quickly and accurately.

On‑demand visits to remove large items or fly‑tipped waste in shared areas. Proper waste removal helps keep your building safe, hygienic and free from fire risks.

Most councils offer two free collections a year. If you have a bulky item to get rid of, call them first. 

Reactive repairs carried out in shared areas of your building and surrounding spaces.

Dry risers help emergency services fight fires in multi‑storey buildings. This charge covers bi‑annual servicing and testing to ensure its fully compliant and ready to use if ever needed.

We’ve increased inspections from quarterly to monthly visits to strengthen building safety and meet best‑practice standards. This means the cost has increased, but it ensures more regular checks and greater peace of mind.

These inspections include checks on:

• emergency lighting

• AOVs (automatic opening vents)

• lightning protection (annual check)

• block safety standards

• solar panels (annual check)

• communal fire doors

• fire alarm systems

• door entry systems

• proactive identification of any repairs

We keep shared outdoor areas neat, safe and pleasant year‑round. Different tasks take place throughout the seasons.

You can learn more about what’s included here.

Routine servicing and safety checks to keep the lift running smoothly and reliably.

Your housing development may have an appointed managing agent who oversees services for the estate, building or car park.

If you need to raise an issue about a service delivered by your managing agent, please contact us for support.

Covers prevention and treatment of pest issues, assessed and managed case by case

A sinking fund is a non‑refundable reserve set aside for large, planned improvements to your building or estate over the long term. It isn’t used for day‑to‑day or reactive repairs — it’s there for bigger future works that help protect the condition and long‑term value of your home.

The fund is clearly defined and ring‑fenced. It stays with the property when you sell, helping maintain its market value and ensuring the next owner benefits from a well‑maintained building.

We want shared spaces — including corridors, stairwells, bin stores and cycle rooms — to feel clean, safe and welcoming. This charge covers routine cleaning.

You can view your cleaning schedule here.

This includes Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), which legally need to be completed every five years.

You’ll only see this charge if your test is due this year.

This covers electricity used in shared spaces such as hallways, lifts, door entry systems and communal lighting.

This is the cost for Sparrow managing your home. It covers the work our team does to support you day to day — things like preparing your estimated and actual service charges, managing your lease, setting up services when they’re needed, and answering your questions.

Testing and maintenance to make sure the sprinkler system is fully functional and compliant.

Charges for water used in shared areas — such as external taps.

Regular testing and assessments to keep communal water systems safe.

Covers cleaning of windows in shared areas only.

You’re responsible for cleaning the windows for your home.