To find out how you can pay your rent and service charge click the following link to be directed to How to pay your rent.

You'll receive rent statements every three months (April, July, October and January) to show how much you've paid. With your rent statements will be a copy of 'Your money magazine' which includes current money advice. Editions of this magazine are available to download on the left of this page.

Housing benefit

You may be able to get Housing Benefit to help you pay some or all of your rent.
To check your eligibility or to apply for housing benefit, contact your local council. Click the following link which will direct you to the Government website (opens in a new window): www.direct.gov.uk

Increasing your rent or service charge

Your rent and service charge usually increases every year. Before we increase it, we'll write and let you know. For more information click the following link to be directed to How we set your rent

What is a service charge?

A service charge pays for services that you share with your neighbours or are in addition to your rent. These can include:

• Gardening and cleaning of common areas
• Maintaining and replacing lifts
• Employing an estate supervisor
• Lighting communal areas.

The actual services you pay for and the amount you have to pay are explained in your tenancy agreement when you first move in.

The service charge is reviewed every year and we let you know of any changes a month before the change is due.

To find out more see your tenant handbook or speak to your housing officer.

Difficulty paying your rent?

If you're having problems paying your rent speak to your Housing Officer. We can offer advice about your debt, or agree to you paying the debt off in amounts you can afford.

Agencies such as the Citizen's Advice Bureau can offer advice. Help is also available from the National Debtline which can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808400.

A budget planner can help you organise your monthly bills. Download the Excel budget planner on the left.

You'll lose your home if you don't pay your rent.