YOUR RENT

The money that you pay in rent pays for all repairs that are needed for Association properties.  It also helps to pay for the other housing services which Faifley Housing Association provides.  It is therefore, vital that your rent is paid on time.

Your rent is due monthly in advance on or before the 28^th day of each month.  But you can make as many payments as you wish i.e. weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

HOW IS MY RENT DECIDED?

All rents are reviewed once per year. 

Rents for improved and new build properties are calculated differently.  These rents must cover the Association’s management and maintenance costs.  They must not be too expensive for tenants to afford, particularly to people who are in low paid work; and the rents must be broadly similar with other landlords in the area.  We also have to put aside some of your rent each year towards future major repairs.

The Management Committee reviews all rents in December of each year, the proposed rent changes are then sent out for consultation to all tenants in January and tenants are notified in February of the new rent charge which will be applied on the 28^th March of each year.

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM PAYING MY RENT?

Faifley Housing Association knows that some tenants may face money problems, which may affect their ability to pay rent regularly. 

If this happens you must get in touch with your Housing Officer as soon as possible.

At the same time, if arrears build up due to delay in benefit payment or changes in family circumstances, you should contact your Housing Officer.

For independent and confidential advice and assistance with regard to financial problems, tenants can also make an appointment to see our Welfare Benefits Officer who is available on Tuesday mornings in our office.  

HOW CAN MY HOUSING OFFICER HELP?

Your Housing Officer will discuss with you a realistic repayment arrangement and provide advice on any help to which you may be entitled.  It is important to ask for help early in order not to let the arrears get out of hand.  Your Housing Officer can also give you information and advice on other benefits.

LEGAL ACTION

Only in extreme cases will the Association start court proceedings against tenants who continually fail to pay rent.  Court action is a last resort but it may lead to you losing your home.

HELP WITH RENT

If you work part-time or have a low paid job you can apply for Housing Benefit. This benefit is administered by the local council.

We keep a supply of forms and your Housing Officer will assist you to complete one. 

You can also apply, online, at: https://west.dunbarton.gov.uk

All tenants are sent an end-of-year statement in March detailing all payments made over the previous 12 months.  If you wish to receive a statement more often, please ask to see your Housing Officer.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

From November 2018, the UK Government rolled out the Full service of Universal Credit within our area.

This means that ALL Faifley Housing Association tenants who currently receive state benefits will, at some point, also receive their rent payments direct.

This change is already affecting some of our tenants and may also affect you.

The current system of Housing Benefit payments will cease and we will no longer receive rent payments from the Local Authority.  This means that tenants will become entirely responsible for ensuring that their monthly rent payments are made to Faifley Housing Association.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL TENANTS DISCUSS PAYMENT OPTIONS WITH US SO THAT POTENTIAL COURT ACTION IS AVOIDED IN THE CASE OF RENT ARREARS.

HOW TO PAY YOUR RENT

• By Standing Order
  • Many tenants find it more convenient to pay their rent by standing order.  If you wish to use this method then please contact your Housing Officer who will give you a form to complete.

• By Rent Payment Card
  • You can now pay your rent with a Rent Payment Card.  Your rent can now be paid at the Post Office or anywhere that displays the Pay Zone/Pay Point signs.   
• By Internet        
  • You can pay over the internet using a Rent Payment Card.  Further details can be provided on request.
•  By Telephone – Chip and Pin
  • You can pay over the telephone your debit or credit card.  Please telephone our office to make a payment.

Contacts 

Citizens Advice Bureau                              

63 Kilbowie Road     

Clydebank, G81 1BL

Tel: 0141 435 7590               

Drop in Service – Opening Hours;

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 9.30 – 3pm

Welfare Rights Service                               

Independent Resource Centre

627 Dumbarton Road

Dalmuir

Clydebank, G81 4ET

Tel: 0141 951 4040

Mon – Thurs: 9am to 5pm

Friday: 9am to 3.30pm

Welfare Rights Office/Debt Counsellor     

Faifley Housing Association

Skypoint

Lennox Drive

Faifley

Clydebank, G81 5JY

Tel: 01389 877924

Tuesday: 10am- 12 noon.

Housing Benefit Section

Clydebank Town Centre Office

10 Sylvania Way South

Clydebank, G81 1EA

Tel: 01389 738555