Rents

How much rent do I pay?

We will send you a letter in March every year. This will tell you how much your rent will be for the coming year starting 1st April. If there is an increase the letter will show how the new rent has been calculated. You should check this carefully and let us know if you think the charges are incorrect.
The amount you must pay is based on such factors as the type and size of the property you live in. If you live in a flat your rent will cover the cost of looking after common areas and facilities. If you have district heating, the charge will also be shown in the letter and can be paid at the same time. You must also pay a supporting people charge if you receive the warden service or you are connected to the Council's Community Alarm Service. You pay these additional charges at the same time as your rent.

How do I pay my rent and how often?

Your rent must be paid every week for the following week and must reach us by Monday. There are various ways you can pay. See Payment below. Your total rent for the year is divided into 48 payments so you usually have 4 weeks in the year when you don't have to make payments. You may be able to claim benefits which will help with your rent and Council Tax. See HOUSING BENEFIT.

What about Council Tax and Water Rates?

These are separate payments but you can pay them at the same time as you pay your rent using separate payment cards. See Payment below.

How do I keep track of my payments?

If you make a payment in person we will give you a receipt. Keep these safe and always check that the amount entered is correct. If you pay by standing order you should check your bank statement when you receive it to be sure it is correct. Your payments will be recorded on our computer each time you pay and we will send you a rent statement every 3 months.

Will my rent increase?

Rents are normally reviewed once a year. If we increase your rent, we will write to you at least 4 weeks before the new amount must be paid. Changes in rent usually come into effect from April.

Rent

Your weekly rent covers the cost of providing you with your home and our services including repairs and maintenance.

Your Council Tax is a separate payment from your rent. You will get an annual bill. You can pay it to the Council in the same way as your rent. See Payment below.

Your water rates are also a separate payment but can be paid at our cash offices.

Payment

You can choose one of the following methods to pay your rent and other charges.

Through your bank by standing order. If you have a bank or building society account this is the most convenient way to pay. It can be paid monthly direct to the Council. Your Area Housing Officer will give you the necessary form.
By visiting a Council Cash Office. (There are cash offices at most Area Housing Offices. See USEFUL CONTACTS.) You can pay with cash, by cheque or using a debit card (eg Switch/Delta). You need to take your rent payment card with you. If you forget it you can still pay and we will give you a receipt. See Cheques.
By phone. If you have a debit card (eg Switch/Delta) you can pay any Council bills by phoning the 'rents' number for your area. (See USEFUL CONTACTS.) This can be done 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You need to give your rent account number when you call.
At any post office. You can pay with cash or by cheque. You must take your rent payment card with you. See Cheques.
Via the Internet. You need to register with us first but then you can pay at any time of day or night using a debit or credit card. See Housing Direct for how to register.
By post. Send a cheque or postal order to your Area Housing Office together with your rent account number.
Do not send cash. Allow 3 days for your payment to reach us. We will post a receipt back to you. See Cheques.
Taken straight from your wages. If you are employed by Doncaster Council you can have your rent taken from your wages/salary before you are paid.
Payment from the Housing Benefit Office. If you claim Housing Benefit it will be paid direct to us. However, if your Housing Benefit does not cover the full amount of rent, you still need to pay us the difference and any other payments that you may have eg district heating.

Cheques

Cheques or postal orders should be crossed and made payable to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council or The Post Office Ltd if you are paying at a post office. Write your name, address and tenant rent account number (shown on your rent payment card) on the back.

Your Enquiry | Rent | Payment | Cheques

[ Contents | A-Z Index ]

RENTS

Your Enquiry