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Original poster

To worry about rent increase

65 replies

pussinboots61 · 28/03/2025 18:34

Hi I am a born worrier and have anxiety.

I live in a one bedroomed Council flat which I love. Every April I have the same worry about the rent increasing. In April it will be £499 per month. This is for a small one bedroomed flat.

I know that its cheaper that private renting but I worry mainly about affording it when I retire in three years time, though I will get a good private pension plus a state pension but with this Government making cuts all the time I dread to think what might happen.

I moved into this flat six years ago from a flat which was not in such a good area but the rent was cheaper. I moved to where I am now because I lived here years ago and moved in haste when my Mum died as she lived near me. When I got this flat I couldn't believe that I had got back here again but I've worried about the rent ever since.

If it ever did come to where I couldn't afford it, it would be impossible to move because now there is a housing shortage where I live and people are bidding for properites and getting nowhere.

I feel I am driivng myself and everyone else who cares to listen around the twist with worrying about this.

OP posts:
IDontHateRainbows · 28/03/2025 19:03

Kindly, I think the bigger concern here is not your rent but the anxiety you feel and would probably feel whatever your means, unless you won the lottery.

Its a worrying time for 99% of people right now.

anniegun · 28/03/2025 19:03

Your rent is unlikley to rise faster than the triple locked state pension. Plus you have something that seems right sized for a retired single. I am not sure you will find anything better and cheaper

Wolfpa · 28/03/2025 18:56

what are your pension predictions looking like? Most banks have a calculator on their website. It may put your mind at rest seeing your predicted monthly income

nadine90 · 28/03/2025 18:55

If you’re not entitled to benefits, you must be earning over a threshold deemed as “liveable” (I know that’s not always the case)… same when you retire. This is worked out with local housing costs in mind. Private rents are soaring way above lha rates and benefit calculations are accounting for, but council properties are affordable. If you can’t afford the council rent on your pension, you will either be entitled to benefits or overspending somewhere. You will manage, much more comfortably than anyone who is renting privately.

Cr1987 · 28/03/2025 18:54

I understand you are worried but that is incredibly cheap for rent. So I am struggling a bit for sympathy. I am on a low wage on my own and I pay much more so I would try and put it in perspective. If you are going to be on a good pension and a state pension you will be fine. In a better position than most!

ilovesooty · 28/03/2025 18:51

If you have a work pension and the state pension and earn a good wage now you're unlikely to be in a position where you can't afford that level of rent. It's surely unlikely to go up so much that you won't be able to manage.

luckylavender · 28/03/2025 18:48

You are truly going to get slaughtered here. That is so cheap.

Tricho · 28/03/2025 18:45

With respect. It's 499. That is less than I paid in 2010 for a 1 bed in the SE. Its a steal. With a state + private pension you will be in a good position.

You must have a good amount left over per month as a potential cushion?

In the space of 3 weeks my internet, council tax, house insurance and energy has hone up by a combined 150 per month

My mortgage is up for renewal next year and itll likely increaase by c. 400 quid

Its life. You cut your cloth accordingly.

youre in a privileged positin.

I'm not sure what you're wanting people to say?

largeprintagathachristie · 28/03/2025 18:42

That is very cheap rent compared to the private sector. I might be pointing out the obvious but wondered if you might find it helpful check against worrying thoughts- you’re very very lucky to have a council flat.

UndermyShoeJoe · 28/03/2025 18:42

Do you have other large outgoings?

Original poster
pussinboots61 · 28/03/2025 18:42

UndermyShoeJoe · 28/03/2025 18:36

You’ll also get universal credit won’t you? That should help towards the rent because if a single person with help cannot afford £500 for a tiny one bed council flat a month rent we are all fucked basically.

No I won't get Universal Credit when I retire as I'll have a work pension plus the state pension, I won't get housing benefit either.

OP posts:
justkeepswimingswiming · 28/03/2025 18:42

You might get help with housing benefit.

Original poster
pussinboots61 · 28/03/2025 18:40

Reallyyyyyy · 28/03/2025 18:36

Have you applied for everything you are entitled to?

That's still cheap op. I paid that for a studio in Kent in 2011

Edited

I'm not entitled to anything now as I earn a good wage. Once I retired I won't be entitled to anything because I will get a work pension.

OP posts:
UndermyShoeJoe · 28/03/2025 18:36

You’ll also get universal credit won’t you? That should help towards the rent because if a single person with help cannot afford £500 for a tiny one bed council flat a month rent we are all fucked basically.

Reallyyyyyy · 28/03/2025 18:36

Have you applied for everything you are entitled to?

That's still cheap op. I paid that for a studio in Kent in 2011

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