Quality Homes Excellent Services Community Values Exceeding Expectations

must pay for the cost of the work in full, in advance. Occasionally it is not until the contractor has attended and carried out the work that we become aware that the repair was your responsibility. If this happens we will write to you to advise that you have been recharged for the cost of the work.

For further details about repair responsibilities please see the Repairs Leafl et in your Information pack.

We will make a charge if you are not at home for an appointment booked for a repair to be carried out. Missed appointment charges must be paid in full before a new appointment can be booked.

Charges can arise for other things too. If we take legal action against you for rent arrears or your direct debt or cheque is returned unpaid we will pass on any charges we incur.

It’s important that you make arrangements with your Housing Offi cer to clear any additional charges you incur as quickly as possible.

RFHA. St. Peter’s House, 101 Wellingborough Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 9YL

Tel: 01933 411400 Email: info@rfha.org.uk

Rent, service charges, court costs and

rechargeable repairs

Paying Rent & Other Charges

RF/RP:04.2012 Doc. 4-10

Remember to report any

damage toproperty

Repairs

borough Road,

N10 9YL

@rfha.org.uk

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Who is responsible for

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Quality Homes Excellent Services Community Values Exceeding Expectations

Rent levels are set in line with your Tenancy Agreement and reviewed once a year in April. Services are also reviewed once a year in April or when there is a change in the service provided. You will always be given at least 4 weeks’ notice of any change in your rent or service charge.

We take a fi rm but fair approach to dealing with rent arrears. We will give you help and assistance if you are facing genuine diffi culties. You need to be aware, however, that we will take court action if, having been given the opportunity, you fail to put the situation right. This could lead to you being evicted and in such cases the Council and other social landlords will not rehouse you.

Can I get any help towards my rent? If you are unemployed or on a low wage you may qualify for certain benefi ts. Please contact your Housing Offi cer for further information.

Other chargesUnder the terms of your Tenancy Agreement, any damage to the property caused by you, or your family or visitors whether deliberate, through misuse, neglect or by accident is your responsibility to put right. In these circumstances, we can arrange for thework to be carried out on your behalf but you

How do I pay my rent? Your Tenancy Agreement requires you to pay rent in advance on the Monday of each week. If you do not do so, you could be at risk of losing your home.

Rent payments can be made by one of the following methods:

• Direct Debit/Standing Order

• Cash or cheque at our offi ce (in person)

• By sending a cheque to our offi ce (by post)

• By using an Allpay card at any Paypoint outlet or at any Post offi ce

What if I can’t afford to pay my rent? If you have a problem paying your rent you must contact your Housing Offi cer immediately to discuss the situation. It is tempting to ignore the problem but it is important to deal with it quickly before it gets worse or becomes unmanageable.

Your Housing Offi cer will:

• Ensure that you are given basic money advice and information on any benefi ts you may be entitled to. If your situation is complex, they can refer you to another agency which can offer more specifi c or specialist advice

• Come to an arrangement with you to clear your debt, in instalments if necessary

4 Paying Rent & Other Charges

How are my rent and service charges set?

Don’t hidea problem, tell us. We can help