At present there are three methods of payment :

1. Post Office – All tenants will be issued with a Giro Rent Book when they commence their tenancy. This Rent Book can be taken into any Post Office in order to lodge your rent payment. Payments at the Post office should be made in cash.

Always make sure that when making a payment your payment slip has been properly completed and that the reference number is clearly shown on the slip as the Association may not be able to identify who the payment has been made by otherwise. You must also ensure that the receipt has been stamped by the cashier as this will be your only proof that you have paid your rent should a query arise.

2. Standing Order – Tenants may also pay their rent by standing order from their Bank Account. A Standing Order Request Form is available from our office. If your standing order payment is made on a monthly basis it will be due at the beginning of each month and must cover a full month rather than a payment of four weeks. This can be calculated by multiplying the weekly rent by 52 weeks and dividing this into 12 equal amounts.

3. Housing Benefit – If you are in receipt of Income Support or another benefit you may be entitled to full or part housing benefit which will be paid direct to the Association. However you will still be responsible for paying any ‘top up’ amount due in respect of rent or other charges not covered by housing benefit. This top up amount may by paid by giro or standing order.

The Association prefers not to receive any rent payments by post. However if you find it necessary to do so please do not post cash. Instead you should send a crossed cheque, preferably by registered post , making it payable to Ark Housing and write your name and address on the back of the cheque.

The Association will issue each tenant with a quarterly rent statement detailing the weekly rent charges and all payments that have been received. The statement will also show if a tenant is in credit or in arrears.