A SOCIAL landlord in North Herts has informed its tenants of the annual increase in rent - which will see rises for the average household above inflation.

North Hertfordshire Homes (NHH) has written to its tenants to reveal charges which will come into effect on April 4 and, on average, weekly rents will rise by 5.1 per cent, more than one per cent above inflation.

This will also include a �2.05 plus or minus adjustment so that the rent is more in line with the government’s target rent set for each property.

As an example, an average three-bedroom home will rise to �97.94 per week, however each tenant will be individually advised of the rent increase for their home.

This latest rise comes on the back of increasing rent costs year-on-year, with an average three-bedroom home costing �83.04 per week in March 2009 and �90.04 in March 2010.

Kevin Thompson, chief executive of NHH, said: “Although we can’t repeat last year’s very low or minus rent increase, we are mindful of the continued economic conditions facing our tenants. We have carefully considered the guidance issued by the Tenant Services Authority and kept the increase as low as possible.”

Any tenants who are having difficulty paying their rent should contact their landlord. Organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Black Squirrel Credit Union are also available for independent advice.

Speaking about the rises, Norma Nolan, operations manager for CAB North Herts, said: “North Herts Homes don’t have a choice about it but everyone is going to be feeling the pinch more and more and more.

“The group of people that are worst affected are single people that are working part-time as those people can’t claim any sort of benefit. They’re being squeezed from both sides.”

*If this increase means you will have difficulty keeping up with your rent contact The Comet newsdesk on 01462 866200 or email nick.gill@thecomet.net