Residents' handbook - Moat

MONEY MATTERS SECTION 4Money mattersPaying rentis important that you pay your rent and service charge on time and inadvance. Rent arrears are a serious matter and you risk losing yourhome if payments are not made.MONEY MATTERSAll rent is due a week in advance regardless of whether a resident is inreceipt of housing benefit or not.As housing benefit is always paid inarrears residents in receipt of housing benefit are expected to make asmall weekly contribution to bring their account into credit. If youprefer to pay monthly in advance, you should contact our customerservice centre and we will advise you of the amount you will have topay.If you are having difficulty with your payments and need help, contact usimmediately. Our specialist teams offer help and information on welfarebenefits and money advice. Don't leave it too late.How rents and service charges are setYour rent income is vital to us. It is used to:• Carry out day to day repairs• Provide a management service to you• Carry out major repairs.The rent you pay takes into account the size, condition and location ofyour home. We aim to set rents that are affordable to those on lowincomes.This means the rents we charge will be below the local marketrates, ie the rent charged by private landlords for properties in the areawhere you live.4-1