Rent

Council Housing Rent Payments

• What does my rent pay for?
• How and where can I pay my rent?
• What should I do if I fall into rent arrears?
• What should I do if I can't pay my rent?
• What will happen if I don't pay my rent?
• Money Advice Surgery
• Can I get help with my rent?
• View your rent account online
• For further information
• Contact details for the Income & Debt Recovery Team

What does my rent pay for? 

How is my rent worked out?

Your rent since April 2003 has been calculated in accordance with Government guidelines.  Rents are now moving towards being based on the value of the property, the number of bedrooms and local earnings.

Landlords have 10 years to gradually introduce these adjustments in rent so that by 2012, rents are set by using the Government's formula.

Water Rates

Please note, with effect from 1st April, 2013 Water Rates are included within your rent charge.

When is my rent due?

Rent is due weekly and is payable in 48 weekly instalments.  It is your legal responsibility to ensure that your rent is paid on time.

• Week 1 - 1st April 2013
• Week 9 - 27th May 2013
• Week 39 - 23rd December 2013
• Week 52 - 24th March 2014
• Week 53 - 31st March 2014

How and where can I pay my rent? 

• By Direct Debit    Payments are made directly from your bank account on either the 1st or 15th of every month or alternatively fortnightly or every four weeks.  A Direct Debit request form can be downloaded; once completed it should be returned to the Housing Department - download form.  Alternatively, a form can be obtained by telephoning the Housing Department on (01229) 876478; emailing: housing@barrowbc.gov.uk or by calling into the Housing Department in person.

DIRECT DEBIT IS THE SIMPLEST AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY OF PAYING RENT - you don't have to worry about missing a payment and it saves you time as your rent is paid automatically.  

• By Credit/Debit Card - Payment Hotline
  Payments can be made instantly over the telephone on (01229) 876390.  Alternatively, there is an automated 24 touch tone service.  Call 0845 603 1510 with your rent account number and credit/debit card details.  Accepted cards: Visa Credit/Charge | Visa Debit | Mastercard | Switch.
  
• At Post Offices or Paypoint Outlets
  Payments can be made at any Paypoint outlet and all Post Offices anywhere in the UK.  At the start of your tenancy a letter will be produced with a barcode.  Take this letter with your payment - the barcode will be scanned when you make payment.  Always ask for a receipt and keep it safe as this is your only proof of payment.  If your letter becomes damaged and cannot be scanned, please contact the Housing department for a replacement.  If you already have a plastic Allpay Card for your tenancy, you can continue to use it.  If your card is lost, damaged or stolen, please phone or call in to the Housing department to collect a barcoded letter.
  
• Via the Internet
  Payments can be made 24 hours a day on the Council's website: http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/payments, or by selecting the "Online Payments" button on the Home Page. 
• By internet banking 
• Payment may be made directly into the Council's bank account with HSBC Bank plc. The Account Number is 01159372, the Sort Code is 400914 and the Account Name is 'Barrow Borough Council'. Please quote your full Rent Account Number as a reference with any payments that you make.
• By Post
  Payments can be made by post.  Cheques should be crossed and made payable to "Barrow Borough Council".  Post-dated cheques will not be accepted.  Please note the relevant rent account number on the reverse of the cheque.  A receipt will be generated and returned to you.  Post your payments to the Director of Finance, Town Hall, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2LD.  Please do not enclose cash; the Council does not accept responsibility for any losses of cash sent through the post.
  
• Touchtone Telephone
  Touch Tone is an automated telephone payment service that allows you to pay by credit or debit card over the telephone.  The number to call is 0845 603 1510 and is a lo-call number which means that calls are charged to you at local rates.  Voice prompts will guide you through from entering your account reference number to authorising your card payment.  Touch Tone is available 24 hours a day.  Accepted cards:  Visa Credit/Charge • Visa Debit • Mastercard • Switch.  You will require your rent account number.
  
• By Standing Order
  Payments are made directly from your bank account.  A standing order request form can be obtained by telephoning the Housing Department on (01229) 876470 or emailing: housing@barrowbc.gov.uk or pick up a standing order mandate from the Housing Department to complete and return to your bank who will then debit your bank account.

Please make sure you keep all receipts safely as proof of payment.  Disputes cannot be investigated without proof of payment.

What should I do if I fall into rent arrears?

What should I do if I can't pay my rent? 

What will happen if I don't pay my rent?

There are four main stages for the recovery of rent arrears:

• STAGE 1 - Secure & Introductory Tenancies - Letters will be sent out and visits will be made to you reminding  you of the outstanding debt and inviting you to discuss the problem.   We will either directly or through our relationship with the Citizens' Advice Bureau ensure you are claiming the correct Housing Benefit and provide advice on managing your debt.
  
• STAGE 2 - Secure Tenancies - If an amicable agreement to clear the arrears is not made, a notice of intention to seek possession will be served. This is a legal document stating that unless arrears are cleared within 28 days, County Court actions will be taken. Should you not be in a position to clear the debt, you must contact your tenancy services officer immediately to reach an agreement - Income & Debt Recovery Team contact details below.
  
• STAGE 2 - Introductory Tenancies - If an amicable agreement to clear the arrears is not made, a notice to terminate will be served.  This tells you that the Council will be asking the County Court for an immediate Possession Order to seek your eviction from the property.  As an introductory tenant you will have the right to request a review of the Council's decision.  If the review upholds the decision of the Council, permission will be sought from the Court for a Possession Order.  The eviction will be automatic as long as the Council has followed the process properly.   A Guide to Introductory Tenancies.
  
• STAGE 3 - Secure Tenancies - Should the debt not be cleared and an agreement not reached following the service of a notice the Council will apply to the County Court for an order of possession against your tenancy. This action will incur additional costs to yourself, which will be added to your current debt.
  
• STAGE 4 - Secure Tenancies - If the terms of the court order are not complied with or maintained, an eviction warrant will be obtained. A court bailiff will arrange a date for the eviction and the Council will notify you in due course.

Money Advice Surgery

• how to deal with your debts;
• how to borrow money without getting into debt; and
• how to work out the best options for saving money.

Can I get help with my rent? 

How can I make a claim?

How much will I get?

Quick Assessment

What if I'm getting Income Support?

Extended Payments

You may be able to continue to receive Housing Benefit for 4 weeks after your benefit ceases.  To qualify you must have been in receipt of either Income Support or Income based Job Seekers Allowance  for 26 consecutive weeks and have commenced full time employment and continue to be employed for 5 weeks.  This extra help is called Extended Payments and you should contact the Job Centre on telephone 08456 060 234 to make a claim.  Please note your claim must be made within 8 days of your benefit finish date.

What if my circumstances change?

Can I claim on two homes at a time?

View your Rent Account Online

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