New emergency repairs out of hours call:07964 034354
How we deal with rent arrears and evictions
What should you do if you are having difficulty making our rent payments
-
You should contact us for advice immediately if you are having difficulty paying your rent.
- You may be able to claim housing benefit from the local authority.
- Citizens Advice can offer you advice on any additional benefits you may be entitled to claim.
- If you have a number of debts, Citizens Advice can offer you advice on the best way to manage debt.
- It is essential you prioritise your debts. Rent or mortgage payments, council tax and inland revenue bills should be given priority over other bills.
-
It is most important that you do not ignore the problem. Speak to us and we will do our best to help and advise you.
Rent payments
- Tenants have a legal obligation under the tenancy agreement to pay the agreed rent on Monday every week.
- Rent can be paid by allpay.net (using a swipe card) at any Post Office, PayPoint, by Post Office Giro or Direct Debit. You can also use the allpay.net card to pay by debit card via the internet or telephone.
- Rent may be paid weekly, fortnightly or calendar monthly, but these payments must be in advance.
- Housing Benefit can be paid directly to us by the local authority.
If you are having difficulties making your rent payments it is essential you contact us for advice. We are here to help and if you ignore the problem, it becomes much more serious.
Rent arrears
- Rent accounts are monitored weekly.
- If you are in arrears you will be contacted by letter, telephone or visit and asked to clear the arrears.
- We will only enter into agreements for the arrears to be cleared by installments in exceptional circumstances.
- If you fail to clear the arrears you will be served with a Notice of Seeking Possession. This stays in force for a year and four weeks following its service, we can apply for a court order. This can lead to court costs being added to your debt and you could be evicted from your home.
- If you are evicted for rent arrears the local authority may decide you are intentionally homeless and give you a low priority for re-housing in the future.