TENANTS HANDBOOK SECTION 2 RENT AND RATES

< Last HOME Next >

Q. How often do I pay my rent?

A. Rent may be paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Rent is charged on a weekly basis.

Please Note: GHA recommend that you notify the Housing Officer if you wish to pay on a monthly basis as confusion can arise over amounts due.

Q. Where and how do I pay my rent?

A. (1) You may pay by cash at any Post Office by use of a GHA rent book

(2) By standing order or direct debit from your bank or giro account

Increasing the Rent

The rent will be reviewed every April and you will receive 4 weeks notice of any increase.

Rent Arrears

Q. What will happen if I do not pay rent?

A. It is essential to pay rent. Not paying rent can lead to eviction.

Q. I have lost my job and I can not afford the rent. What can I do?

A. Contact your Housing Officer. An agreement can be made for you to pay the arrears by affordable instalments and we will help you to claim Housing Benefit.

Q. If I do not keep to the agreement what will happen?

A. Depending on the amount of arrears the following action may be taken by the Association.
1. A ‘Notice Seeking Possession’ may be issued which remains in force for 12 months, together with a ‘use and occupation’ book for payments.

2. If you still do not pay during this period we shall seek recovery through the Small Claims Court. You will be responsible for the legal costs in addition to your arrears.

3. In event of continuing wilful non-payment, the Association may ask a County Court for a possession order. You could be evicted.

At all times, please remember that the Association will help with advice, form-filling etc. in the strictest confidence.

Q. Am I liable to pay rates as a tenant?

A. Yes. We collect your rates payments along with your rent. Rates are subject to annual rises and we do try to give you reasonable notice of an increase.

Rent Policy

Tenancies which commenced before 16 September 1992.

Rents for these properties are fixed on a points system determined by the Department for Social Development in line with Housing Executive rents.

These rents are calculated every April by multiplying the number of points allocated to each property by the current rent point value set by the DSD each year.

Tenancies commencing after 16 September 1992

The Housing (NI) Order 1992, deregulated rents for these properties. The Management Committee have agreed to set rents using the above points system but may be subject to a percentage increase determined by the Association.

These rents can only be increased after a tenancy period of twelve months and any increase will usually be in April.

Mixed Funded Properties

Rents for these properties are fixed to take into account the need to cover the cost of loan charges, management and future maintenance. The size and condition of the property as well as any amenities will also be taken into account.

The Association is committed to maintaining affordable rents for people on low incomes or in receipt of welfare benefits by ensuring that rents are fixed within Housing Benefit levels.