Paying your Housing Executive or housing association rent or rates
It is important to pay your rent/rates on time and get help if you have payment problems. The Housing Executive (NIHE) or your housing association can tell you if there is any help available for rent/rates payments.
Payment methods
There are a number of ways you can pay your rent/rates:
- The preferred payment method is by direct debit
- at a Paypoint outlet
If you are a Housing Executive tenant, you can also pay:
- online at www.nihe.gov.uk/paying_online
- by telephone on 0844 557 8321
- using the Allpay Payment App
- in person at the Housing Executive local office
Help with paying your rent/rates
If you need help paying your rent or rates, you might be entitled to Housing Benefit, Universal Credit/Rate Rebate. Housing associations and the Housing Executive can tell you how to claim Housing Benefit/Universal Credit/Rate Rebate.
If you're in rent or rates arrears you may be able to make an agreement with your landlord to reduce the arrears. Your landlord can take legal action if you regularly miss your rent payments.
Information on repaying your rent/rates
If you owe your landlord rent or rates, the Housing Executive or housing association can make an agreement with you to repay the amount due over a period.
It's important to contact your landlord as soon as possible to avoid arrears increasing.
Setting rents for Housing Executive and housing association accommodation
The Housing Executive is responsible for setting the rent they charge their tenants. Housing associations set their own rent.
How your rent is set
Housing associations and the Housing Executive usually charge similar rent for properties of a similar size, condition and location. In housing association properties built after 1992, rents are higher than Housing Executive properties the same age.
Housing Executive tenants are charged rent and domestic rates. You will be told about any charges when you sign your tenancy agreement.
Communal service charges
If you live in an apartment block or housing development, you may need to pay a service charge. This charge will usually cover heating, lighting, maintenance and repair work in communal areas.
Rather than receiving a separate bill for the service charge, the cost may be itemised or included in your regular rent bill.
What your rent pays for
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.
Rent increases for Housing Executive and housing association tenants
If the Housing Executive or your housing association want to increase your rent, they will give you notice in writing.
If you pay rent weekly, you should expect four weeks' notice. If you think the rent increase is too high, contact your housing association or the Housing Executive.