Efficient collection of rents is vital to providing you with
the services you expect as a tenant. It is the responsibility of
every tenant to ensure that their rent is paid on time and their
account is up to date.
What should I do if I can’t pay my rent?
If you are having difficulty paying your rent,
it is essential that you contact your local St. Leger
office immediately. Ask to speak to your Rent Officer and
explain your circumstances. Do not ignore the problem as this will
only make things worse and your home could be at risk. We will be
able to advise you about benefits you might be entitled to. If you
have arrears of rent, we will aim to agree a manageable
payment agreement with you.
What should I do if I think there is a mistake on my rent
account?
Contact your local St. Leger
office immediately. Ask to speak to your Rent Officer and we
will aim to sort out the problem as quickly as possible.
What should I do if I am waiting for Housing Benefit to be
paid?
Let us know your situation immediately and
keep in contact with us. We may be able to advise you whether or
not you are entitled to Housing Benefit. Housing Benefit claims
should be sorted out within four weeks. It is important that we
know all the facts of an individual case.
What will you do if I cannot clear my arrears?
We will do all we can to advise you and to
agree a manageable repayment plan. If you do not keep to a
repayment agreement you have made with us then you may be served
with a 'Notice of Seeking Possession' for breach of your Tenancy
Agreement. If you still fail to pay your rent we will apply
to the County Court for possession of your home. If we go to
court:
- you will have to pay court costs
- you will have to leave your home if ordered to do so by
the court
- you will still have to pay the debt even if you leave your
home
- you may be considered intentionally homeless and as such wil
not be rehoused by us or any other council or housing
association
What happens in a joint tenancy if one tenant leaves?
As joint tenants you are both responsible for
the rent. If one leaves, the remaining tenant must pay the rent in
full. Let us know immediately when a joint tenant leaves. Also, you
must contact us if you
have difficulty paying your rent. We will do everything we can to
help you.
Remember don’t ignore the
problem - we can help. Contact your local St. Leger office today
and ask to speak to a Rent Officer.