Rental Payments

You rent and service charges (if applicable) are payable monthly in advance on the 1st of each month. Usually you are required to pay by direct debit. However under some circumstances you may use a different method:-

• telephone (you will need to order a rent card)
• rent card (you will need to order this in advance)
• online
• via internet banking
• cheque
• Standing Order

Cash payments can no longer be accepted at the office.

If you wish to pay on a date other than the 1st of the month, you will need to pay a month's rent and service charge in advance. For example if you pay on the 16th January, this will be your payment for February.  Please contact the office for further information.

Getting behind with payments

If you are having financial difficulties we may be able to help but it is vital that you contact us quickly. Please do not ignore the situation as you could be at risk of losing your home. We can usually come to an arrangement with you to pay your arrears in instalments. You may also be entitled to claim Housing Benefit for the rent and certain items of the service charge. Contact your local authority for further information or a claim form.

For help and advice on welfare benefits or managing debt, please contact one of the following

1. Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800 138 1111 or visit their website at www.cccs.co.uk
2. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau or their website www.adviceguide.org.uk
3. National Debtline 0808 808 4000 or website www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales

How your rent is calculated:

Your rent is set at a level which allows Plumlife to cover its mortgage or loan repayments, administration and management costs and the insurance on your property. The rent does not cover the cost of any repairs or maintenance which may be required.

Your rent will increase each year on the 1st April. Details of how your rent increase will be calculated is contained in your lease. Plumlife will write to you at least one month before the increase is implemented. If you pay by direct debit this will automatically be increased by us. If you pay by standing order you will have to contact your bank yourself to make the change.