Rent or Charges Questions

In the first instance, speak to your Housing Officer who will be able to advise you on the best course of action. DO NOT ignore the situation and hope it will go away! The Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to advise you. Their contact numbers can be found on www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Please click here for further information about Financial inclusion and help with money matters.

Direct Debit is a quick and simple way of ensuring that your accommodation charges are paid to the Association and should minimise the risk of you going into arrears with your payments, or even into credit.

Direct Debits differ from Standing Orders, because with Standing Orders the onus is on you to let your bank or building society know when your charges change, or if you no longer need to pay for any reason. With Direct Debit, once it is set up, there is nothing further for you to do. The Association will tell your bank or building society if there is a change to your charges, as well as letting you know what will be collected and when.

Anyone who pays by Direct Debit is protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee which ensures you are given advance notice if the amount or date of deduction changes, you are entitled to an immediate refund from your bank in the event of an error and you can cancel your Direct Debit instruction at any time.

The only thing you have to worry about is that you have sufficient money in your bank or building society account to allow the collection to be made. This is very important because if there are insufficient funds in your account, your bank or building society is likely to charge you for the unpaid direct debit. Please check with your bank or building society for details.

In some cases you may be able to receive Housing Benefit on both properties, but ONLY if you physically move into the property the day your new tenancy begins. Speak to your Housing Officer or contact the benefits section of your local council for more information.

By phone: Call 01473 218818 and quote your name and the first line of your address

E-mail: payinginbook@orwell-housing.co.uk with your name and the first line of your address. Use the subject 'paying in book'

Yes the Association can receive Direct debit payments on the first day of each month.

Direct Debits are a quick and simple way of ensuring that your charges are paid to the Association directly from your bank or building society account. Once set up your charges will be deducted from your account on the first day of the month. The Association can only take the agreed amount on the agreed date and will notify you as soon as possible if any changes are required.

If you are interested in paying your charges by Direct Debit please contact your Housing Officer or Scheme Manager for further information. For details on how to contact your Housing Officer or Scheme Manager, please click here.

You need to contact your Local Authority to apply for Housing Benefit, and any other benefits. See www.direct.gov.uk for advice.

Rent statements are now issued quarterly and will be posted to you. You can also request a statement from your Housing Officer, or the Customer Services Team. A statement can also be requested online or by e-mailing qwc@orwell-housing.co.uk.