Your rent
It is important your rent is paid on time. It is the money that pays for the services you receive. Payment must reach us by Monday every week. If you pay your rent fortnightly or monthly, you must pay in advance, not in arrears. The easiest way to pay is by direct debit.
Rent Free Weeks
What are Rent Free Weeks?
Rent is charged for 48 weeks in a 52 week Financial Year. There are always four rent free weeks when no rent is charged and tenants with an up-to-date Rent Account do not have to pay rent.
Tenants who are behind with their rent MUST continue to make payments in these free weeks to catch up with their arrears.
When are the Rent Free Weeks?
The rent free weeks for the year Monday 4 April 2011 to Sunday 4th April 2012:
Week 1 - 4th April 2011
Week 38 - 19th December 2011
Week 39 - 26th December 2011
Week 52 - 26th March 2012
Paying your rent
You can pay your rent in a number of ways:
- By Direct Debit from your bank or building society account
- By cash using your Allpay rent payment card at any Post Office, Epay, PayPoint or Payzone outlet or by calling Allpay on 0844 557 8321 using your credit or debit card quoting the reference numbers from your Allpay swipe card.
-
Standing Order from your bank or building society account
- By Debit or Credit card by telephoning 0800 3898083
- By Debit or Credit via the internet at www.allpayments.net
- By post - cheques or postal orders only - Please Do Not Send Cash.
For more details on how to pay your rent please click here.
If you have problems paying your rent please click here.
Don't forget that you need to make your own arrangements to pay your Council Tax to Erewash Borough Council as well as your gas, electricity and water bills to your respective utility companies.
Housing Benefit
This is for tenants on low incomes or receiving welfare benefits. It is only for help with rent payments. It does not cover garage rent, home contents insurance, water rates and heating charges. Remember, if your Housing Benefit does not cover the full amount of rent you will have to pay the remaining amount.
The amount given depends on your rent, your income and any savings or investments you have. It will also depend on the number and ages of anyone living in your household and whether any are employed.
Changes of circumstances
You must inform the Erewash Borough Council - Housing Benefits Department of any changes in your circumstances, e.g. changes in the number of people in your home, or a change in your income. You must also tell them if you move to a different Three Valleys Housing property. You must do this before you move.
Council Tax Benefit
This is for people on low incomes or receiving welfare benefits and who would normally be expected to pay Council Tax.
The amount given depends on:
- Your income and any savings or investments
- Your personal circumstances
- The amount of Council Tax set by the Council after any reductions which apply to your home
Some households can get reductions on their Council Tax, for example people who live alone or households with students. These reductions apply even if you are not on benefits.
Renewing your claim
Your benefit claim is reviewed from time to time. When you receive a renewal form please complete and return it immediately. If you do not send it back on time you may go into arrears with your rent. If you need help or want more advice about how you can pay your rent, please call us on 0800 3898083 or email us by clicking here.
Changes to your rent
The amount of rent you pay is reviewed at the beginning of each year with any change starting in April. We will give you at least four weeks notice before your rent is changed.
Any increase is controlled by strict government guidelines.
Your rent is payable weekly in advance, every Monday, except for the four rent free weeks. Paying the rent is your responsibility and you need to make sure that your rent is paid regularly and on time.
Revised 18/11/2010 JR