Paying Rent [...cont.]

Rent Statements

So that you can check that the payments that you have made have been credited to your account, we will send you a statement twice a year. This will show the rent that has been charged, the payments that you have made and any Housing Benefit that we have received on your behalf.

Changes in the Rent

The Association has a right to increase or decrease the rent and service charge by giving you four weeks written notice. The notice will usually include details about the proposed rent and service charge. We do not have the right to increase the rent more than once a year and will not impose any rent increases in less than a year from the previous increase or the date in which your tenancy started. As a rule the rent is increased during May or October.

If you are in receipt of any Housing Benefit, the total amount of rent paid by you on a weekly basis might change because your housing benefit has been reviewed or there is a change in your income.

Difficulties in paying the rent

An important clause in your tenancy agreement is paying the rent on time. If you are a joint tenant, you are all responsible for paying the rent and any rent arrears. We have the right to ask for payment of rent arrears from any of the tenants. If one tenant should leave, the remaining tenants are responsible for any due rent.

If you are having difficulties in paying the rent, firstly you should contact your local office as soon as possible.

Don’t ignore the problem as it can escalate to become a serious matter in a matter of weeks.

We can help you with any application for housing benefit and inform you of your rights. Remember we are here to help you. One phone call can make a difference and maybe avoid problems later on.

If you have difficulties in paying the rent or can foresee such problems within the near future, please contact your local office as soon as possible.

You may be able to get help from other organisations such as Shelter Cymru, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Advice Centre or Solicitors.