Housing Rent
Text | On-line via the internet |
Text BALANCE to 07520646606 to get a balance on any of your housing accounts at anytime. |
You can check your Rent Account balance on line using our I-Housing system. Follow this link to register or access the system . |
If you are a former tenant, please contact the Former Tenants Arrears Team on 01903 737850.
Paying your rent
Online by debit or credit card
If you have a payment swipe card, please log into the allpay web site. You will need to have your swipe card to hand and enter the 19 digit number to log in. If you do not have a payment swipe card, please log on to Arun’s payment web page.
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Telephone by debit or credit card
If you have a payment swipe card please call the 24 hour payment line on 0330 0416497. If you have difficulty using this automated payment line please call 01903 737850 during office hours and we will assist you to make a payment.
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Direct Debit
Direct Debit is available for you to pay your rent direct from your bank account. It is the most convenient way to pay once you have set it up. The amount will automatically change whenever there is a change in your rent. We will write to you to inform you of the change beforehand.
To set up a direct debit please complete the Direct Debit Mandate Form.pdf [pdf] 165KB or the Direct Debit Mandate Form.doc [doc] 116KB or telephone 01903 737850 or visit the Housing Office. If you down load the form you will need to print it and return it by post to the Civic Centre.
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In Person by Cash or Cheque
You can use the swipe card to pay at a PayPoint outlet or Post Office and present your payment with the card. The outlet will give you a receipt for your payment which you should keep as evidence of payment. Please be advised that some PayPoint outlets may not accept cheques. You can search for a PayPoint outlet or Post Office on line by entering your post code at the allpay website, or view a list of PayPoint outlets in the Arun District Council area.
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We send out quarterly rent statements to tenants every 13 weeks. Typically these are sent out in July, October, January and April. When you get your statement, please check that all the details are correct. If you disagree with the record of payments or you have any questions with your statement please contact the Housing Finance Team on 01903 737850.
Each year in February or March we will send you a rent notification letter. This advises you how much your weekly rent will be for the coming financial year (April to March). If you move into your new home part way through the year we will send you payment information for your new home within two weeks of you moving in.
How your rent is calculated
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The number of bedrooms in your home
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The average wage in West Sussex
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The value of your home
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Inflation
Rent arrears
Housing Rent Frequently Asked Questions.
Why is my rent going up this year ?
In October 2019, the Government announced that social housing rents can rise by the consumer price index (CPI) plus 1 per cent from 2020 to 2025. The latest Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government Guidance details this. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/direction-on-the-rent-standard-from-1-april-2020
Arun District Council has increased its rents from April 2020 in line with the revised Government guidance.
When will this rent increase take place?
The increase is effective from Monday 5 April 2021. We will write to you in February to confirm your new rent.
Are my other charges like heating and water changing too?
Heating and water charges are based on the actual consumption in the past year, and so are likely to change based on the annual usage and unit costs.
Can I appeal the rent change?
No, the rents are set by a government formula, based on property size and location.
What happens if I don’t pay my rent?
Your tenancy agreement is a contract, which includes the responsibility to pay rent due. If you experience difficulties paying your rent you should contact us on 01903 737850 as soon as possible, so we can work with you to resolve the problem. Ultimately, if rent is not paid and you don’t engage with the finance team for a resolution, we will seek possession of the property via the Court.
Will my Housing Benefit or Universal Credit be affected by the rent increase?
Housing Benefits have been advised of the new rent levels, and will assess new entitlements accordingly. If you are in receipt of Universal Credit you will need to notify the DWP that your rent has increased, you can use the letter we send you as proof of the increase. You must tell the DWP of your rent increase we do not notify them directly.
I have received my rent change letter, what do I need to do?
You need to ensure that any rent due is paid in full and on time. If you have a Bank Standing Order, you need to ensure that you notify your bank of any change in payment in sufficient time for them to be able to pay your April rent.
I have a Direct Debit, what do I need to do?
You need to do nothing, we will recalculate your Direct Debit, based on new rents, charges and benefits, where applicable, and will notify you of the amount we will be taking, before the first payment is due.
Can I choose when to pay?
If you pay by Direct Debit you can choose to pay by weekly payments, taken on a Monday, or by monthly payments, taken on the 1st or 25th of each month. If you pay by Bank Standing Order, on line payments or by using a payment card at a shop or Post Office, you can choose when to make your payments, but please remember rent is payable regularly and in advance.
How can I check my balance?
Text the word BALANCE to 07520646606 and we will text you your balance.
Alternatively register online for i-Housing which enables Arun District Council tenants to access housing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like to register for i-housing to access these services please complete our eform https://www1.arun.gov.uk/officeforms/iHousing.ofml with your details and we will email you a password to the email address you provide.