Rent & Income Management Service Standards
Derwentside Homes adopts a fair but firm policy for rent and income management. We expect Tenants to pay the rent that is charged for the home that they live in and we will ensure that support is given to tenants to prevent and reduce any arrears and to prevent enforcement action. This service standard sets out what you can expect from the rent and income management service.
For all new tenants we will:
- Tell you how much rent and other charges you should pay each week for your home;
- Provide you with a copy of our rent management policy as part of the sign up procedure;
- Tell you how to apply for housing benefit and complete an application form for you if required;
- Provide you with a PayPoint swipe card.
For all tenants we will:
- Send you quarterly rent statements;
- Offer 7 methods of paying your rent.
In order to minimise rent arrears we will:
- Make contact you within a week of your account going into arrears (by letter, telephone or visit)
- Offer you independent legal / money advice and make referrals on your behalf
- Write to you if we are applying to Court because of your arrears and give you details of the legal action
- Tell you about your rights and what will happen if we take legal action and you have to go to Court
- Inform Durham County Council’s Homeless Team of any legal action we intend to take against you:
- We will inform them of action against a Starter Tenant before we serve a Notice to Quit;
- We will inform them of action against an Assured Tenant before the eviction warrant is applied for.
