Q: How can I pay for my rent?
A: You can pay for rent by any of the following ways:
- Online using the Council’s secure payment page;
- by telephone – You can call the Council’s 24 hour hotline on 020 8690 8707 or contact your income officer using your debit or credit card to make a payment.
- by cash or cheque using your rent payment card wherever you see the PayPoint sign or at any Post Office
- by direct debit – you can apply online or call 020 8314 9311 to set one up. Payments can be taken weekly, every 4 weeks or monthly and are usually taken on a Thursday.
- by standing order – please fill out a form online or ask your bank to set one up. Our bank details are Bank - Co-operative Bank PLC, Sort code – 08-90-29, Account number - 61073843.
Q: When is my rent due?
A: Your rent is calculated weekly and is due every Monday in advance. You are also able to pay your rent fortnightly or monthly. To arrange this, please speak to your income officer, your first payment must be made in advance.
Q: I’m having trouble paying my rent, who can I speak to?
A: Please contact your Income Officer straightaway. We will do what we can to help by making arrangements for you to pay your rent in instalments that you can afford. We can also provide advice on the different benefits available that can help you as well as information on external agencies who provide support and advice. We have a debt leaflet and a self help debt pack which can help you to manage your money, which is available here.
Q: I’m in arrears, but I’m waiting for my housing benefit to come through, what should I do?
A: If you are waiting for housing benefit to be paid, please contact your income officer. We will not usually take legal action against you if we know you are waiting for a claim to be sorted out, and you are making payments.
Housing benefit claims are processed within 10 working days of Lewisham Council’s housing benefit team receiving your application form and necessary documentation. We have access to a housing benefit calculator and may be able to tell you whether you are eligible to receive housing benefit.
Remember that housing benefit does not pay for water rates (or charges for garages, car spaces, store sheds or home insurance), you will have to pay these charges yourself.
