Paying your rent by Direct Debit is one of your tenancy conditions.

It is the easiest way to pay, and we now provide a range of payment dates to suit your needs, including weekly, fortnightly and monthly.

Call us on with your bank details and we will be happy to set this up. If you have difficulty paying your rent by Direct Debit please also call us to discuss.

Alternatively, you can download, complete and send us the Direct Debit form or visit any Neighbourhood Office or First Point.

Reasons to pay by Direct Debit

It’s convenient

  • Direct Debits are already the standard way of paying for utility bills, mobile phone contracts and many other things.  Around 11,000 of our customers (1 in 4) already do so as it’s the most convenient way to pay, and numbers are increasing.
  • It couldn’t be easier – you are now able to pay on any day of each month (1st to the 28th), weekly or fortnightly, whichever suits you best
  • No payment card or trips to the shop or post office to pay your rent
  • You don’t need to worry about amending the amount whenever your rent changes

It gives you peace of mind

  • Knowing your rent is paid is one less thing to have to remember, and you will always be notified at least 10 working days in advance if your payment amount changes.
  • You can also keep a track of your payments made and balance of your rent account via our on-line service –  see Check My Balance

It will save money which could be reinvested elsewhere

  • Direct debits are substantially cheaper to administer – and would save the council thousands of pounds if more of our customers paid this way. This could then potentially be re-invested in services that customers have told us are important to them.

Help paying you're rent

If you're struggling to pay rent please contact us and we can look at:

  • an affordable arrangement in order to reduce your arrears
  • Housing Benefit – if you are eligible we can help you claim. If you have it, to ensure it is being paid at the right amount. We will also check it is for the right period and try to reduce any Housing Benefit overpayment and clawback 
  • a Discretionary Housing Payment if you are not getting full Housing Benefit (but are getting some)

We can also offer practical help and support with budgeting and debts, to maximise your income to ensure you are getting all you are entitled to:

  • referring you for specialist advice where needed – this could help reduce your outgoings 
  • helping you sustain your tenancy

Council Housing Service

Ask us a question

0114 293 0000

Supporting documents

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