Rent and Charges
The services the Council provides for tenants are paid for from rent, therefore it is important that your rent is paid when it is due. Without this income Council services will suffer.
At the start of your tenancy your Housing Officer will tell you what your fortnightly rent charge is. We will send you a rent card and, if you have asked for one, a plastic Giro Bank payment card that can be used at the Post Office or and PayPoint or Payzone outlet. You will be told, in writing, if your rent charge changes.
Your rent is due to be paid every two weeks but you can arrange to pay your rent every month if this is how you would prefer to pay. Please note that rent is due in advance and arrangements to pay out with the fortnightly cycle should take account of this.
Methods of Payment
Choice on how to pay your rent is yours. Are you making the most of what's on offer, using the most efficient, cost effective way to suit you and your lifestyle?
By Direct Debit
We now offer two dates on which your rent is paid by Direct Debit. You can choose between the 1st or 15th of the month to best suit your circumstances. If you would like more information on this method, please contact your Area Housing Office or telephone our Direct Debit hotline on 01294 324603 (please have your bank details handy when you call to set up Direct Debit).
By Interactive Voice Response
Call 0845 603 0593. 24-hour payment will be accepted. Details are entered using a touch-tone telephone, using your credit/debit card and in response you will be given a verbal receipt number.
By Internet payments
via the 'Online Service' option on our secure link
By telephone
Call your Area Housing Office or Housing Headquarters and use your credit/debit card.
At your Area Housing Office
Or the Municipal Bank in Cunninghame House, Irvine during office hours. We accept payment by cash, cheque, postal order, credit/debit card. Please bring your rent card with you.
By Banker's standing order
If you would like further information on this payment method, please contact your Area Housing Office.
By Girobank
At any Post Office
By Post
To your Area Housing Office. All payments must be accompanied by your rent card.
By PayPoint or Payzone
There are approximately 56 PayPoint and 24 Payzone outlets throughout North Ayrshire offering this new service. You can make a payment by simply using your existing plastic payment card and a receipt will be given.
You can view a list of the additional outlets where you can pay (PDF 53Kb) many of them are open when the Council offices are closed.
By Deductions from Wages or Salary
If you are employed by North Ayrshire Council please complete a request form, available by clicking on Salary Wage Deduction Form (PDF 18Kb) or contact the Rent Accounting Team by telephoning 01294 324603.
Please Note: Whichever method of payment you choose, you remain responsible for payment reaching your rent account on time.
On the 1st Monday (of the rent fortnight) you are charged rent for the current period. The Council must receive rent payments by 4:00pm on the last Friday of the fortnight to avoid any arrears. You must make sure that your rent account is never in arrears.
Currently, there are two periods each year when no rent is charged. If you have arrears you must continue to make payments during these weeks.
If you fall into arrears with your rent, you should contact your Area Housing Office immediately. Staff will discuss your arrears with you, agree a repayment arrangement and give you advice regarding applying for benefits if you are on a low income. You should also consider seeking advice from a debt advice agency, which should be able to offer you comprehensive advice on money and benefits issues and help you maximise your disposable income, address debt problems and meet essential outgoings. Our staff can also refer you to a Housing Money Advice or Welfare Rights Advisor. If you are finding it difficult to manage your finances, get independent advice from:
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The National Debt Line on 0808 808 4000
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Your local Citizens Advice Bureau
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Community Housing Advocacy Project on 01294 313137 or CHAP@irvinec.freeserve.co.uk
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North Ayrshire Money Advisor Welfare Rights Unit on 01294 317786
If you are on a low income, you may qualify for Housing Benefit. This will reduce your fortnightly rent charge. The amount of help depends on your income, who lives in your household and the amount of rent you have to pay. If you want to apply for Housing Benefit, you can pick up a form from your local Area Housing Office or from the Benefits Service at Cunninghame House, Alternatively, you can phone the service on 0845 6030595 or write to the Benefits Service, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE. It is important to send proof of your residency, income and identity with your application, as your application form cannot be processed without them.
The benefit calculator will give you an indication if you are entitled to receive housing benefit.