Rent payment
It is important your rent is paid on time. It is the money that pays for the services you receive. Payment must reach us by Monday every week. If you pay your rent fortnightly or monthly, you must pay in advance, not in arrears. The easiest way to pay is by direct debit.
Your questions answered
How much and how often do I pay?
Your rent is based on the type and size of the property you live in and the facilities you receive. The payments are due weekly every Monday. See How to pay. If you pay by cheque it should be made payable to London Borough of Hackney (or The Post Office Ltd if you are paying at a post office). Write your name, address and rent account number on the back.
The amount you pay is made up of your weekly rent and water charges (your Council Tax is a separate payment). For certain properties the payment includes service and concierge charges or communal heating charges. If you owe us rent or a charge for damage to your home or a previous home, you will pay an extra amount each week until it is repaid. Your rent will also include a tenant levy which is a small payment towards a fund which gives grants to local tenant groups.
Keeping track of my payments
You will be given a receipt or a payment reference number each time you make a payment (unless you pay through your bank or by posting a cheque). Keep this safe and always check that the records are correct. You will receive a statement of your account every 3 months but you can ask for a statement at any time at your Neighbourhood Office.
Will my rent go up?
Rent levels are reviewed once a year. If your rent goes up, we will write to you at least 4 weeks before it must be paid. Rent increases usually come into effect on 1st April.
How to pay
(See Useful contacts for addresses, phone numbers and opening times.)
- By direct debit. You can get a form from your Neighbourhood Office. You can pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
- At any Post Office, or a shop or garage displaying the Paypoint sign. You must present your payment with your rent payment card. You will be given a receipt.
- Through your bank. You can set up a regular standing order or you can phone them (or go on-line if you have internet banking facilities) each time you want to pay. You need to give them our bank account number (61155033), our sort code (08-90-30) and your rent account number and the amount you need to pay.
- At any bank. You need to fill in a Bank Giro Credit Form with your rent account number, and our account number and sort code. See above.
- On-line at www.hackneyhomes.org.uk. You need to give your credit or debit card number and your rent account number.
- Using your debit or credit card. Phone the 24 hour automated number 020 8356 5050, or the Council's Contact Centre 020 8356 3000 (during office hours) or call into your Neighbourhood Office.
- At the Council's cash office. You can pay with cash or by cheque or by credit or debit card. You should take your rent payment card with you. See the Useful contacts for the address.
- By post to the Town Hall Cash Office. Please allow 7 days for the payment to reach us. Send a cheque or postal order (do not send cash).
- Direct deduction. We can arrange to deduct your rent from your wages and benefits. Your Housing Manager can tell you more about this. See the Useful contacts for the addresses.
