Ways to pay your rent and service charge
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Ways to pay your rent or service charge
It is very important to pay your rent and any service charges on time, and in line with your tenancy or lease agreement. If you are worried about debt; struggling to make payments; have arrears, or just need some advice, please let us know as soon as possible as we may be able to help you. Our preferred method for you to pay your rent to us is by Direct Debit but don’t worry if you can’t pay this way as there are a number of other ways aimed at making it easy and convenient for you. Direct Debit Direct Debit is a simple way to pay. It’s automatic so, once it’s set up, you don’t have to worry, even if the amount you pay changes, and it means you never have to worry about missing a payment. The easiest way to set up a Direct Debit is by phoning one of our offices – we can set it up over the phone and you won’t need to fill in forms. You will need your bank account number and sort code to hand. You will receive written confirmation once this has been set up. Payments are covered by the ‘Direct Debit Guarantee’ which protects you and your money. If you prefer to fill in a paper form, please contact us and we will send you one. Pay by mobile phone You can use your smart phone to download the Allpay app – visit www.allpay.net to register. This will allow you to keep your account up to date from your mobile. If your mobile phone number changes, you will need to update your account details on the Allpay website. Our staff can also use the app to take payments on your behalf with their own mobile devices.
Ways to pay your rent or service charge
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Internet You can make a secure payment online at Allpay. Visit www.allpay.net to register. All that is required is a valid email address, your rent payment card and debit/credit card. You will be asked to enter your payment card number, the long 19 digit code across the centre of the card. All first time users are asked to enter and confirm a password for added security and an email address at which the cardholder can receive payment confirmation. The Allpay service accepts payments from debit and credit cards. When you have completed the transaction, you will receive a confirmation email with a payment reference number. The Allpay site is not part of the Accent website, but we do provide a link from our website for easy access. By Telephone You can make payments over the phone by calling the Allpay automated service 0844 557 8321 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week). Please ensure you have your payment card ready. You will receive an authorisation number at the end of the process that you should keep as proof of payment. The payment will be on your account the following working day. You can also call your local office to make a payment using your credit or debit card. Easy Payment (swipe) Cards With an easy payment (or swipe) card, you can pay your rent at any Post Office, PayPoint or Payzone outlet over the counter. Payments made by this method will reach your rent account within 48 hours. When you pay with a swipe card, please keep the receipt you are given, as it is proof you have paid. If you would like a swipe card please contact us.
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Ways to pay your rent or service charge
Standing Order If you choose to pay by standing order, we will send you a form to sign and send to your bank. Your payments will come straight to us in the same was as Direct Debit payments, but you will have to tell your bank each year when the amount you pay changes, as it will not change automatically. For either Direct Debit payments or standing orders, don’t forget to cancel any other standing orders you have set up for your rent. Cash at your local office or to a member of staff Although we would prefer more secure methods, you can also pay your rent in cash or by cheque at your local office, or to a member of staff if they are visiting you in your home. As with any other payment, please keep the receipt we give you as it is proof of your payment. Please check our office opening times before you visit. Cheque Cheques should be made payable to the name shown on your tenancy agreement). Please write your name, address and tenancy reference number on the back of the cheque and send it to your local office. Housing Benefit or Universal Credit If you receive benefits, you may be able to get help to pay your rent. We can use a ‘benefit calculator’ to work out if you qualify for benefit and how much you are likely to get. This will depend on your income, your savings and your family circumstances. We can give you the claim forms and help you fill them in, or you can get them from your local council. Even if you qualify for help with your rent, you must pay us yourself until your claim is sorted.
Ways to pay your rent or service charge
Checking we have received your payment All your rent payments are recorded on your rent account. Sometimes it can take a few days for a payment to show on your account, especially if you have used a payment card. When you check your account, let us know straight away if you have made a payment which isn’t showing. It is really important to us that you pay your charges on time and your rent account is kept up to date with no rent owing. If you have problems paying your rent at any time, please contact us as soon as possible, so we understand your circumstances and can agree the best way of managing the situation together.
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Stay in touch T: 0345 678 0555 E: customerservices@accentgroup.org @accenthousing Office addresses and opening times are available on our website AG03
www.accentgroup.org