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Paying your Housing Executive or housing association rent

It is important to keep up to date with rent payments and seek help as soon as you have problems. The Housing Executive or your housing association can give you advice on help that you may be entitled to with your rent payments if you have difficulties.

Payment methods

There are a number of ways to pay your rent,

  • at a Paypoint outlet
  • online
  • by telephone on 0844 5572321
  • by direct debit
  • in person at NIHE accounts office
  • by cheque

For more information you can check the link below

Help with paying your rent

If you need help paying your rent you may be entitled to Housing Benefit. Housing associations and the Housing Executive can give you advice and assistance on claiming help with paying your rent. You can get more information on Housing Benefit on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive website, or you can ring and request an application form:

If you are in arrears you may be able to make an agreement with your landlord to reduce the arrears. However, your landlord can take legal action if you persistently fail to pay your rent.

Information on repaying your rent

If you are in arrears the Housing Executive or housing association will try to reach a realistic agreement for you to repay the amount due over a period of time. However, it is important that you contact them as soon as possible to avoid arrears growing to unmanageable levels.

Setting rents for Housing Executive and housing association accommodation

The Housing Executive is responsible for setting the level of rent that it charges its tenants and housing associations set their own rent levels.

How your rent is set

Housing associations and the Housing Executive usually charge similar levels of rent for properties of a similar size, condition and location, however, the rents of housing association properties built after 1992 are higher than Housing Executive properties of similar age.

Domestic Rates and service charges are charged to tenants in addition to the rent. The Housing Executive or housing association will let you know of any additional charges when you sign your tenancy agreement.

Communal service charges

Communal service charges may include heating, lighting, cooking and hot water depending on the type and location of housing. In communal accommodation such as sheltered housing, the total charges for these services are usually divided between all the residents. Instead of receiving separate bills for these services the cost may be itemised separately or simply included in your regular rent bill.

Where does your rent go?

Your rent pays for the services that tenants receive. It also covers other items such as the cost of borrowing for the original build of the Housing Executive or housing association’s properties and for building improvements.

Housing Executive and housing association tenancies - rent increases

If the Housing Executive or your housing association wants to increase your rent, it will give you notice in writing. If you pay rent weekly then you should expect four weeks notice. If you think the rent increase is too high contact your landlord or the Housing Executive.

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