Rent / Arrears

How can I pay my rent? 

There are a number of ways in which we can accept payment of your rent


We can accept payment of rent via direct debit on the 1st of every month. This is where payment of the full amount of the monthly rent (or quarterly service charge for LSE residents) is collected from a customer. We regret that this service is only available to those whose account is up to date. Direct Debits are also covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee. We adjust your payments to take account of the annual rent increase.

Standing Order

Payments can be made via standing order, (where an instruction is given by yourself to your bank to make a payment of a fixed amount on specified regular dates to ourselves.) Payment can be made at an amount equivalent to or greater than the full rent, or at a lesser amount in the case of those residents who receive housing benefit to help them pay their rent. Payment dates are similarly flexible. It is important to appreciate, however, that you will need to contact your bank to make any required changes, such as those that apply at the time of rent increases.

Paying In Book

Can be used to pay your rent at any branch of Barclays Bank

Credit/Debit Card

Over the telephone or in person at the Cotman office. The minimum payment we can accept by card is £10.00

 

Allpay 

Allpay card can be used to make over the counter payments at shops, garages and other retail outlets where you see the following signs

 

    

Cash

Either in person at our offices or via the Allpay card at one of the above outlets. We would advise you NOT to put cash in the post as we can not guarantee receipt of it.

Housing Benefit

Depending on your financial and household circumstances, you may be
eligible for full or partial assistance with rent payments through housing benefit. Your local council administers this scheme and payments can be made direct to the Association on your behalf. Application forms are available at our office, as well as the council offices. Your Cotman Housing Officer will be able to advise you on potential eligibility. Residents in receipt of housing benefit remain liable for the full rent charged throughout the period of their entitlement and it is vital to reply to any correspondence promptly to avoid problems with claims.

I get full Housing Benefit but my rent statements always seem to show arrears on my account, why is this?

This is generally because the Association’s rents are charged calendar monthly whereas housing benefit is normally paid in 4 weekly cycles. This means that each month slightly less than a full months rent will be received, however, once a year we will receive two payments in the same month and the shortfall will be cleared. If you do have any concerns about your rent statements, please speak to your Housing Officer who will be pleased to confirm the position to you.

I am having trouble affording the rent and have got in to arrears, what can I do?

If you are in arrears with your rent or having difficulty paying you should contact your Housing Officer as soon as possible, to discuss the matter in order to reach an agreement that you can both manage and is affordable. The important thing is to make contact at an early stage before the problem becomes unmanageable. If you do not contact us and ignore the problem so it gets worse, we may have no alternative but to take legal action if arrears continue to accrue on your account.


If you are on a low income you may be entitled to some Housing Benefit to help you to pay the rent. Housing Benefit is administered by your local council application forms for are available from your local council or the Association. Your Housing Officer will be able to estimate your likely level of entitlement if you supply your net income details, and full household circumstances.

Where applicable you should also complete an application form for Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Applications for these tax credits are available from HM Revenue & Customs

You may also wish to seek independent advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They will discuss your debt problems with you and give you practical information and advice to assist you in getting matters under control.

Does rent liability stop when a resident dies?

The Association recognises that bereavement is a very difficult time for families. Our policy is therefore to allow next of kin up to two weeks rent free from the date of bereavement to give them time to clear the property. If you feel that two weeks may not be long enough for you to arrange full clearance, you are welcome to keep the keys longer, however rent will be charged on a day-by-day basis until such time as the keys are returned. For further information on how much the daily rent for the property maybe please contact us on 01603 731699.

We also require, for our own administrative records, details of the person who will be the executor of the estate and a copy of the death certificate, however it is not necessary to send the original document.