FAQ : Rent

• How much rent do I pay and how often? +

  The amount you must pay depends on the type of property you live in. (Please see Rents Section) The total Charge is shown on your rent letter that we send you every year. This is made up of your weekly rent and for certain properties, service charges, car parking and refuse collection charges. Depending on the type of property you live in you may be able to claim Rental Assistance which will help with your rent. See Benefits.

  We charge you a weekly rent each Monday but you can choose to pay at different intervals (for example, every week or once a month) as long as the correct amounts are with us at the right time. There are various ways you can pay. See How to pay.

• How do I keep track of my rent payments? +

  We will record your payments on our computer each time you pay. We send you a statement twice a year which shows what rent you have paid. You can also ask for another statement at any other time. Contact Oaklee Services Centre. You should also keep a check on payments yourself. Keep any receipts you are given and check your bank statements.

• Will my rent increase? +

  Your rent review will be included in the rent review we carry out every year. However if your rent is calculated on the basis of your income, you are required to advise us if your income increases so that we can complete a rent re-assessment. Our rents should be affordable to people on low incomes and will be cheaper than rents charged by private landlords. However, we must make sure that rents cover our costs.

  The Annual change in rent will usually apply from April. We will write to you at least 28 days before you must start paying the new amount.

• What if I pay my rent late or have financial difficulties? +

  You are breaking the conditions of your tenancy agreement if you pay your rent late. If you have money troubles, please contact us and we will tell you what to do and give you advice. See Rent arrears.

• What if Oaklee fails to provide a service? +

  If we have failed to provide you with a service, for example lighting in shared areas , laundry room facilities, or heating and hot water we will consider a possible rebate of your weekly charge. Please be sure to tell us if a service is not working.

• Rent +

  Your rent is the money we charge you for providing you with your home and our services to you, including repairs and maintenance.
  

  Service charges
  Tenants (and leaseholders) pay service charges if they live in certain types of building where there are shared facilities or services. The charges cover:

  • repairing and maintaining the building and shared areas inside the building;
  • cleaning shared areas, including windows;
  • providing lighting and heating in shared areas;
  • maintaining and landscaping shared gardens; and
  • insuring the building.

  Service charges are based on the actual cost of delivering the service. We review them once a year and they may increase or decrease. You may inspect our financial records about service charges as long as you let us know beforehand.