Our rents are set to cover the cost of maintaining and managing our homes, together with any loans needed to build them.
We set our rents in line with Government policy. We want our rents to be affordable to as many people as possible. When you become an ASRA tenant, the rent you pay is shown in your Tenancy Agreement. Our rents are reviewed each year, and we will write to you each year confirming what your new rent will be.
Your rent is due each Monday if you pay weekly, or on the first day of the month if you pay monthly.
In this section you can pay your rent online, find out about other ways of paying your rent, check your rent statement, find out more about keeping up with your rent and get advice if you are having problems paying your rent.
Service charges
Service charges are paid by people living in properties with communal facilities or common services. For tenants, they are included in the rent (though shown separately).
The amount of service charge depends on the level of communal services provided. Most service charges are reviewed at the same time as rents. If they increase we’ll write to you a month in advance giving our reasons and allowing you the opportunity to comment on any proposed change.
You should have a copy of your communal service contract, so that you know what you are paying for. If you want a copy please ask your Neighbourhood Officer. Call us on 0207 940 6847.
8 EASY WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT
We have recently reviewed the ways you can pay your rent across the group and this information is designed to provide you with information and guidance on your options.
You have a choice in the way you pay your rent:
Direct Debit
This is the easiest way and our recommended payment method. There is no charge and we can set this up for you over the telephone very quickly. Alternatively, we will send you a mandate form to complete.
You can pay by Direct Debit weekly, monthly or quarterly. You can even choose the day you want to pay.
Standing Order or BACS
Please get in touch if you would like to pay rent direct from your bank. Payment must leave you account in time to be with us on the day your rent is due.
Paypoint
You can pay rent at any post office, shop or garage which displays the PayPoint logo using your Payment Card. Payment can be made by cash or cheque, but you will need to take your rent payment card with you. Payment will take two to three days, but it can sometimes take longer if you pay at a shop.
Debit and Credit Card
To make a payment call our customer contact centre on 0207 940 6847.
Online
Paying online is quick and easy. You will need your payment card with the long 19 digit across the centre. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your payment at: https://www.allpayments.net/allpayments/
Text Pay
Go to www.allpayments.net/textpay/login.aspx.
Register your payment card, mobile phone number and credit/debit card details, then follow the instructions to pay by text in the future.
Cheque or Postal Order
You can send payment by post to your local housing office, but please allow seven days for the payment to reach your account. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to your landlord: LHA, ASRA or Family First. You must also write your name, address and payment reference number on the back. Never send cash by post.
Housing Benefit
When claiming housing benefit, you can ask for your rent payment to come directly to us. However, if your benefit does not cover the full amount of your rent, you must pay us the difference.
Keeping track of payments made
You will always be given a receipt or confirmation number each time you make a payment, unless you pay via your bank. We will also send you a rent statement every three months, but you can ask for a rent statement any time by telephoning us or by registering online for access to your rent statements day and night. To access our online rent statement service click here.
What will happen if I do not pay my rent?
You must pay rent to live in our properties. Rent is the main source of income for LHA-ASRA. It pays for the range of services we provide to our tenants. Should you have any difficulties contact us as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
Failure to pay your rent or contact us will result in possession proceedings being taken. We also offer a dedicated Financial Support Officer that we can refer you to.
We do not want any of our tenants to lose their home, so follow these simple steps to avoid legal action being taken:
- Talk to us if your circumstances change. You may have lost your job for example, your hours of work have changed or something has happened in your family which has affected your ability to pay. We can give you advice and talk through the situation with you to get your account back up to date. You may even find you are entitled to help with your rent through housing benefit payments
- Contact our Financial Support Officer on 0116 257 6716 if you are having money troubles. We can either provide direct support or sign post you to an agency who can help
- Do not bury your head in the sand. If you are struggling to pay your bills and feel your debts are spiralling out of control, we can help you to take control of your finances and keep your home. But you must let us know as soon as possible.
For more advice call LHA’s Financial Support Officer, Angela Wade on 0116 257 6716 or email income.team@lha-asra.org.uk
Useful Contacts
Call 0207 940 6847 to speak with an Income Officer.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
CABs offers free, confidential advice either face-to-face or by telephone. Many CABs also offer home visits and some give email advice. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice to find your local bureau.
National Debtline
This is a free, confidential service that gives independent advice about coping with debt. You can find information online or by calling the helpline on 0808 808 4000 (9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1.00 pm Saturday).
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
CCCS offers free counselling on personal budgeting and using credit. You can call the helpline free on 0800 138 1111 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday).
www.cccs.co.uk
Community Legal Advice
Community Legal Advice offers free information about legal problems and can put you in touch with local advisers. You can get information online or call the helpline on 0845 345 4345 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday).
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk