Updated: Updated the explanatory note for making a formal application for an exemption to the rent reductions in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.

The Rent Standard Guidance expands upon the Rent Standard, explaining how social housing rents are set and covers many other aspects of rent policy and interpretation. The Rent Standard requires compliance with ‘key requirements’ set out in the Rent Standard Guidance.

The setting of social housing rent levels is largely determined by government policy which is set out in a Direction to the regulator and that Direction is implemented in the Rent Standard. The guidance provides practical details of how social rents, affordable rent and other forms of social housing rents are set. It provides details of applicability of the standard and the approach taken to various aspects of exemptions and other issues.

The standard permits waivers, in certain circumstances, and the additional notes cover how the regulator expects that such applications will be made. Other matters are also covered including current limits for rent increases and rent cap levels, as well as the approach the regulator takes to obtaining exemption from the Rent Standard for specific categories of property.

See also Guideline rent limit for private registered providers 2015-2016

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rent-standard-guidance