Your rent
Rent payment options
With all councils facing a reduction in funding from central government, this is a challenging time for local government finance.
This is why we are raising rents in line with the government’s cap of 2.7 per cent for the year. This increase is 5 per cent lower than last year’s and will go directly towards improving homes and the services we provide for residents.
How is my rent worked out?
Your rent is worked out using a formula set by the government, which all councils and registered social landlords use.
It takes into account:
- average manual wages in Greater London
- the value of your home
- the number of bedrooms in your home
Your rent may be different to your neighbours because you have more bedrooms or your home is valued higher - for example, because it has a garden.
Location is also a factor in working out the value of a home. We will give you at least four weeks written notice of any change to your rent, service charge, heating or other charges.
I’ve got my bill, what do I need to do?
You need to make sure your rent is paid on time - your rent is due every Monday. If you want to pay fortnightly or monthly, you need to let us know.
Standing order
Contact your bank and update the payment amount.
Direct Debit
Nothing, our team will amend.
Housing Benefit
The rent and service charge changes may affect how much housing benefit you receive. The council will get in touch to let you know if your entitlement has changed.
Universal Credit
You must inform the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of the change to your weekly rent. You need to do this online on 1 April 2025. If you do not notify DWP you will not get your full housing allowance and could fall behind in your rent.
If you attempt to change your weekly rent before Monday 7 April 2025, this will not be actioned and you will have enter the data again.
What happens if I fall into rent arrears?
You may fall into rent arrears if you:
- pay late
- pay too little
- miss a payment
We take rent arrears very seriously. While we give every consideration to residents who are in genuine difficulty, our first priority is to collect all rent due, so we can provide the services you need.
If you owe rent, we advise you pay as quickly as possible, ideally in one payment that clears the whole amount. If you can't do this, please contact us. Our Income Team can give you advice and try to help you find a way to solve the problem, including setting up a realistic and affordable payment plan, or referring you to an independent local advice agency.
NEVER ignore the problem – it will not make it go away. Ignoring your arrears may result in legal action, court costs or even losing your home. Think of us when you fall into arrears. We’re here to help.
Contact us as soon as possible to talk to a member of the Income team, who will work with you to help find a way to solve the problem.
Having trouble paying your rent?
We know that money worries can be stressful, and this may cause concern and difficulties paying your rent. Our financial inclusion and tenancy support teams give free, confidential help and advice on welfare benefits, debt or budgeting.
You can call them on 020 7364 5015 (option 3) or email welfare.reform@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
You can also contact the Financial Health Centre, which brings a range of debt, benefits and money specialists together to provide independent expert advice.
Financial Health Centre
020 7364 2200
fhc@towerhamlets.gov.uk
How can I contact the Income Team?
- Answer:
Paying your rent by direct debit means no queuing in post offices or banks and no worrying about missed or late payments! You stay in control of your money by choosing to pay on:
- any date of the month from 1 to 28 for monthly payments
- any day of the week for weekly, fortnightly and four weekly payments
It's a convenient way to pay and helps us keep costs down - and it's backed by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
Bank details to pay your rent
Bank National Westminster Bank
Branch 161 Bow Road, London, E3 2SG
Account Name LBTH (Rent Collection)
Sort Code 60-03-19
Account Number 75667177
- Answer:
The Allpay app is a mobile application (App) available to download from the Apple App Store, Windows Phone store and Google Play. It helps you to pay your bills from your Apple, Windows or Android smartphone.
You can visit the allpay website to find out more and download the App. You can also read a full list of FAQs.
- Answer:
Like direct debit, paying by standing order is a safe way to pay bills and helps keep costs down. It means no queuing in post offices or banks and no worrying about missed or late payments! You will need to remember to change your standing order if your rent changes.
You can choose to make a regular payment from your bank weekly, fortnightly, every 28 days or calendar monthly (payments must be in advance).
- Answer:
You can pay rent for your home, garage, parking space or store shed at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet using a rent payment card.
- Take your rent payment card to any Post Office and pay with cash, debit card or cheque
- Take your rent payment card to any location where you see the PayPoint sign and pay with cash
- You will not be charged for this service, but you will be given a receipt for your payment. Keep it safe - you may need it later as proof of payment
Find your nearest payment outlet
- Answer:
You can pay your rent by phone with your debit or credit card. Call us on 020 7364 5015.
To make a payment by debit card, anytime call the council's automatic payment line on 020 7364 3800.
- Answer:
If you are a Tower Hamlets employee or pensioner, you can pay you rent by arrangement with payroll or personnel section direct from your salary or pension.
You can get in touch with the Income Team at:
Tel: 020 7364 5015
Email: Rents@towerhamlets.gov.uk