Rent Standard 2026 Sets Out Rules for Social Housing Rent Increases

From 1 April 2026 social landlords in England will be required to follow a new Rent Standard issued by the Regulator of Social Housing. The standard follows a revised government policy statement on social housing rents that was published on 28 January 2026 and reflects the government’s ten‑year rent settlement.

The standard applies to all social landlords – both private registered providers and local authorities – and obliges them to meet every requirement set out in the accompanying guidance. Under the new rules, rents for social rent and affordable rent homes may be increased by up to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1 per cent each year.

For homes that are currently below the government‑defined “formula rent”, landlords may add a further weekly increase. From 1 April 2027 this extra amount can be up to £1 per week, rising to up to £2 per week from 1 April 2028, until the formula rent level is reached.

Formula rent is calculated using a formula that takes account of a property’s relative value, size and local income levels. The staged caps are intended to prevent large, sudden jumps in rent while giving landlords a clear route to bring rents in line with the formula.

Fiona MacGregor, chief executive of the Regulator of Social Housing, welcomed the publication, saying the standard “will bring more certainty to the sector, so landlords can plan for their investment in the quality of existing homes and more homes for the future.”

Tenants can expect modest, inflation‑linked increases, with the additional £1‑£2 weekly allowances applying only to homes that are currently under‑priced. Landlords must ensure compliance from day one and will need to monitor CPI movements each year to calculate the permissible increase.

The full Rent Standard 2026 and its guidance are available on the Regulator of Social Housing website, and the government’s policy statement can be accessed via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government portal.