Rents

Rents are collected by the Income Management Team whose duties include:-

• Collecting rent due on sheltered and general needs properties, shared equity properties and garages

• Collecting Supporting People debt
  
• Collecting legal costs incurred from court action
  
• Collecting rechargeable works; leasehold debts etc
  
• Pursuing non-payment of rent through the legal channels where necessary
  
• Providing welfare and debt advice
  
• Refunding credit balances
  
• Pursuing former tenant debt
  
• Refunding former tenant credits
  
• Evictions

We understand why many households end up in rent arrears and we recognise that arrears prevention is more effective than arrears recovery. Procedures therefore, are geared towards providing financial advice and assistance at the start of the tenancy/licence and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken as soon as rent accounts show arrears of over two weeks. Where preventative measures and financial counselling fail, all legal measures available to Magna will be used to recover the debt.

The table below shows what action we have taken against tenants in arrears during 07/08:

Ways to Pay your Rent

By Cheque

Payable to “Magna Housing Association” with your tenancy reference number and first line of address on the back, at:-
Hollands House, Poundbury Road, Dorchester DT1 1SW
Bridport Office, 7 Downes Street, Bridport DT6 3JR
Baileys Office, 40 High West Street, Dorchester
Sherborne Office, Manor House, Newlands, Sherborne
Please check your “Opendoor” for opening hours.

By Post

Cheque payable to “Magna Housing Association”, with your tenancy reference number and first line of address on the back, to:-
Hollands House, Poundbury Road, Dorchester DT1 1SW

At The Post Office

By cheque – payable to Post Office Ltd, or
cash or debit/credit card using -
Rent card or Giro payment slips – ensure your tenancy reference number and address are included on the giro slips.

Direct Debit

Contact us for a form on 01305 216067.

Standing Order

Contact us for a form on 01305 216067 or ask your Bank/Building Society to set up a standing order to:-
Magna Housing Association Ltd, Account 30940879;
Sort Code 20-26-62; Quote yourTenancy Reference number to ensure the monies reach your rent account. You will need to amend payments when rent/servce charges change.

Debit/Credit Card

Telephone 01305 216067 to make a payment using your debit or credit card

Internet

www.billpayment.co.uk you will need to register as a user, then locate Magna Housing Association and follow the prompts. You will need your tenancy reference number.

Housing Benefit

If you are on low income or in receipt of benefits, of if your circumstances have changed, housing benefit may help.
Contact your local council for further information, or the Income Management Team @ Magna on 01305 216067.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties please contact the Income Management Team, for advice and assistance. The following contacts are also able to give guidance and support:-

Consumer Credit Counselling Services on 0800 138 1111 or www.cccs.co.uk
National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau – check your local telephone directory for the appropriate telephone number for your area - www.adviceguide.org.uk
Shelter on 0844 515 2000 or www.england.shelter.org.uk

last updated 11.07.08