You can pay your rent in any of the following ways:
Direct Debit
The easiest way to pay your rent is by setting up a Direct Debit. You can do this over the phone by calling 0300 304 5000. Debit/credit card payments can also be made over the phone.
Online
It’s quick and easy to pay your rent via your secure online account. Visit estuary.co.uk/online-account to get started.
Standing Order or Bank Transfer
If you’d like to pay by standing order or bank transfer, please visit estuary.co.uk/how-to-pay for the bank details you’ll need.
Rent Card
You can pay by cash or debit card at any PayPoint or Post Office in England using your rent card.
If you Claim Universal Credit
If you claim for help with your housing costs, this will normally be paid directly to you. You’ll then need to use one of the methods listed on this page to pay your rent. In specific situations, you can have your Universal Credit Housing Element paid to us. Please call us on 0300 304 5000 or email income.team@estuary.co.uk to discuss this.
If you Claim Housing Benefit
This is usually forwarded directly to your Delta rent account. If it’s not paid directly to us, please contact your local authority and ask them to arrange this for you.
What is "Rent on Time"?
Simply put, this means paying your rent on time and never being in rent arrears (owing your landlord money).
Rent is a priority payment over other household bills. Whether you pay your rent from employment or benefits, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s paid on time.
How Much Rent Should I Pay and When?
Details of your rent will be in your tenancy agreement. You may have the choice about how frequently you make payments. Customers can choose from the following options:
- if you pay rent weekly, you should pay one week’s rent. Rent is then due every week;
- if you pay rent fortnightly, you should pay two week’s rent. Rent is then due every two weeks;
- if you pay rent four-weekly (this is often the case if you’re claiming Housing Benefit), you should pay four weeks' rent. Rent is then due every four weeks;
- if you pay monthly (this is often the case if you’re claiming Universal Credit or pay rent yourself), you should pay one month’s rent. Rent is then due monthly.*
*Monthly rent is calculated by multiplying weekly rent by the number of chargeable weeks in the year, and then dividing by 12. E.g. £100 x 52 weeks divided by 12 is £433.33 a month.
What if I’m Struggling to Pay my Rent?
If you’re struggling, please let us know as soon as possible. We can see if you’re eligible for any additional benefits and if there are other ways to support you. If you’re behind with your rent, we’ll make affordable payment arrangements.
If you don’t pay your rent when it’s due and you don’t contact us for help, you may receive a notice seeking possession. This is the first stage of the legal repossession process and could lead to you losing your home.
If you receive a notice, we’ll be in touch to arrange a payment plan to try and avoid any court action. Unfortunately, if we can’t arrange a payment plan with you, we may need to take court action. If we still don’t receive your payments after getting a court order for possession, we’ll need to apply for your eviction. This is a last resort, and our teams are dedicated to helping you keep your tenancy so please tell us if you’re worried about paying your rent.