Housing Rents - How to pay
As a minimum, you should make sure that you are fully aware of:
- the amount of rent you are expected to pay;
- when you should pay;
- the options you have on how to pay;
- what services/other charges may be included;
- whether you should make a claim for housing benefit.
If you are unsure of any of these points, please contact your Estate Officer.
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Your rent can be paid weekly, fortnightly (one week in advance), or monthly in advance.
An allpay.net payment card was issued for all tenancies at the beginning of December 2005, and cards are sent for all new tenancies after that date. They will NOT be replaced on an annual basis, so should be kept safely, even if you currently do not have to pay any rent.
HOW TO PAY
1. By allpay.net payment card
The allpay.net payment card allows payments, free of charge, at any Post Office, PAYzone, or PayPoint in the UK and at any branch of Woolworths PLC by cash or debit card. Using this card you can pay at Post Offices by cash, debit card or cheque (made payable to Post Office Ltd). At PAYzones you can pay by cash or debit card, and at PayPoints you can pay by cash. Simply hand your card and payment to the cashier and they will give you a receipt which you should keep as proof of payment.
2. By Post
Cheques or Postal Orders (made payable to South Beds District Council, and with your rent reference on the reverse, or accompanied by your allpay.net card) can be sent to:
The District Offices,
High Street North,
Dunstable,
Beds. LU6 1LF
A receipt will only be sent to you if you request one.
3. Through the Bank/Building Society
i) Direct Debit
By completing a Direct Debit mandate your rent will be collected either on the 1st (for 4 weeks in advance) or on the 15th of every month (2 weeks in arrears and 2 weeks in advance). If there are any changes to your monthly payments you will be advised--you do not need to inform the bank. Contact 01582 474086 or download the form (PDF 1.6MB). It is important that you complete both forms and sign the direct debit mandate. Please send the completed forms to South Bedfordshire District Council, The District Offices, High Street North, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 1LF. Receipt of your form will be acknowledged, and you will be written to and given at least 2 weeks' notice of the amount to be taken.
ii) Standing Order
Payments can be made through your bank/building society account, preferably on the 4th day of every month, but may be set up monthly on a date to suit you between 1st and 28th, fortnightly, or weekly. If there is a change required to your payment you will be sent an amended form which must be sent to your bank. Contact 01582 474086.
4. Over the Phone
We are able to accept payments by Debit cards (Switch, Solo and Delta only) and also by Credit cards (but not American Express). Telephone 08458 49 59 68 with your card details, and your rent reference.
5. Via the Internet
To pay by this method: open the Council’s website on the following page: Internet Payments and follow the instructions provided. Your payment will be credited to your rent account on the next working day.
Updated 28 April 2008
