Setting up a Direct Debit

Paying your rent by Direct Debit guarantees you an immediate refund if we ever did make an error. You are free to cancel at any time, and you will be advised at least 10 days in advance of any changes.

There are many benefits to paying your rent by Direct Debit:

• You don't have to remember to pay every month.
• No queuing at banks or post offices.
• No cost of a phone call to make your payments.
• No cheques to write, or cash to carry.
• Protection through the Direct Debit Guarantee.
• A choice of payment dates, 1st, 8th 15th or 22nd of the month.

Any direct debits received between 1 March and 31 March will not be set up until April. You still need to make payments to your rent account until your direct debit has been set up.

How it works

Once your bank or building society have accepted that a Direct Debit can be paid from your account, we ask them for the instalment amount each month. We then do all the work.

At least 10 days before the first payment is due to come out of your account, we notify you of the amounts and dates of your payments for the year.

So that you have plenty of to raise a query or cancel your Direct Debit, we will tell you about any changes to your payments at least 10 days before your next payment is due.

The easiest way to set up a Direct Debit for your rent is through Housing Online just log in and select the 'My Account' tab.

If you are unable to set up your direct debit online, please call us on 01438 242666 or email Income.Reconciliation@stevenage.gov.uk  or you can download the form below.

Control and protection

The Direct Debit Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and security of the scheme is monitored and protected by your own bank or building society

If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, we will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited, or as otherwise agreed.

If an error is made by us or by your bank or building society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid.

You can cancel your Direct Debit at any time by contacting your bank or building society. It is important that you let us know if you cancel your Direct Debit.