Licence fee changes: FAQs

Q. Why are you changing licence fees?

We have recently reviewed licence fees at all of the properties we manage. We do this on an annual basis and any fee adjustments take into account any specific changes in our costs (contractors, insurance, for example) or in the local rental market. We also look at council tax and utilities where they are included in the licence fee. Any increases that we might make help us to continue delivering safe and inexpensive homes for guardians volunteering for good causes.

As we aim to offer housing at half to one-third lower than what you’d pay in the private rental sector, our fees have increased this year by less than 4%. Most increases are smaller than this and some fees are not affected. In some cases, there may be licence fee decreases.

Q. How long do I have to decide what I want to do?

We have given guardians over thirteen weeks’ notice before the licence fees change on 1st June 2023.

If you would like to stay in your current property at the new licence fee, you will need to sign a new licence agreement by midnight on 3rd May.

If you decide not to stay and wish to give the required notice to Dot Dot Dot before your fees change, you will have until midnight on 3rd May to do so.

Q. I can’t afford the new licence fee, what can I do?

There are a couple of options available to you. One is that we can try to move you to a property with a lower licence fee. We will do our best to accommodate you, but other housing options with us cannot be guaranteed. If you’re not able to afford the new licence fee and we don’t have other housing options available, you will need to give us notice and move out of the property.

You could also consider sharing with a friend or a partner. However, they would need to apply to be a guardian by first filling out our online application form. If successful at the application stage, they would need to visit the property to ensure that it is suitable. If this is an option you’d like to take, we’d advise that you act quickly and get your friend or partner to apply.

Q. Are you allowed to increase the licence fee with thirteen weeks’ notice?

When you signed your licence agreement, you agreed to clause 1.1 which states that Dot Dot Dot is able to change the licence fee with four weeks’ notice. Giving you over thirteen weeks enables you to take some time to consider your options, and find alternative accommodation if you need to.

Q. What happens if I don’t make a decision before 3rd May?

If you don’t sign a new licence agreement, or give us notice to move out within the appropriate time frame, you will be issued with a Notice to Quit from Dot Dot Dot.

Q. Can I get my friend/partner to move in and share the cost?

If you want to share the property with a friend or partner, this is possible. However, they would need to apply to be a guardian by first filling out our online application form. If successful at the application stage, they would need to visit the property to ensure that it is suitable. If this is an option you’d like to take, we’d advise that you act quickly and get your friend or partner to apply online. Please also let your relationship coordinator know that this is an option you are considering.

Q. Does my security deposit stay the same?

We hold a security payment equal to five weeks of licence fees. If your deposit increases, we will issue a ‘top up’ payment request via invoice. If there is a decrease in your deposit, this will be refunded.

Q. Will you increase the licence fees again in six, or 12 months?

Dot Dot Dot undertakes a review of our licence fees every twelve months. Broadly, any increases will be based on the rate of inflation at the time of review, but they will also take into account any specific changes in our costs or in the local market. We also look at changes to council tax rates and utilities. Current guardians will be given at least two month’s notice before their licence fees change and new guardians will not face changes for at least six months.

Q. Why are you charging us as much as normal rent?

We look at prices in the private rental sector and remove at least one-third of the cost to bring monthly payments down to guardianship levels. Often, our licence fee includes council tax, and in some cases, utilities too.

Q. I’ve made financial commitments in other areas of my life and I can’t afford these new fees as well. I’ll have to change my plans.

Property guardianship is a temporary arrangement and all guardians agree to a flexible rolling contract in which 28 days’ notice can be given at any time. This is why we ask all guardians to prepare a thorough move-on plan – so we know that if guardians move out of the property, they will still be able to support themselves and continue with any plans they have made.