Rent payments

The rent we collect from our Swan residents pays for the services we provide. Rent payments are due in advance, unless you have another agreement with us. Rent can be paid in one of the following ways:

• Direct Debit: This is the most convenient way to pay rent on a regular basis. Payments can be set up to be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly and on any working day.
• PayPoint: Using your allpay rent card, cash payments can be made at any shop or outlet displaying the PayPoint logo.
• Post Office: Rent can be paid by cash or cheque at any Post Office using an allpay rent card.
• Online: You can pay online by going to http://www.allpayments.net/
• Phone: You can make payment over the phone using a credit or debit card by calling 0300 303 2500.
• Text: You can use your mobile phone to make payment after registering with allpay at allpayments.net/TextPay.
• Swan Office: You can visit any Swan office using your rent card to pay by cheque, credit or debit card.
• Automated Payment Line: You can make a payment using our 24/7 automated payment line by calling 0330 041 6497.

Please note, if you are an NHS key worker, not all of the above payment methods may be available, so please check before paying.

Rent increase 2023.24

Your rent

We know that money matters. We want to let you know in advance that we will be increasing your rent in the autumn. This rent increase will apply to all our social and affordable rent tenants. 

We understand there are real pressures on the cost of living and this was not an easy decision for us to make. The rent you pay will continue to be far below the average in the private sector.

We wrote to you in September to let you know what your new rent will be and how it was calculated. This depends on a range of factors, such as the type of tenancy that you have and when it started.

If you receive Housing Benefit, you are responsible for telling your local council about the change in your rent, prior to the date it changes. If you receive Universal Credit, you need to tell the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about changes to your rent. You can do this through your Universal Credit Journal, but only from the date that your rent changes.

How do you set my rent?
Each year we carry out our ‘annual rent review’. This is where we review the amount of money we charge you for rent to make sure that it’s in line with the rules laid out by the government.

This is usually based on the Consumer Price Index for September, plus 1%. Rents would have increased by 11.1% this year because of rising costs of living. However, to protect customers in social and affordable rented homes from rising inflation, the government has capped rent increases for this year at 7%.

What will my new rent be?

The letter we sent you in September showed your new rent and service charges, along with a breakdown of the cost.

When will my rent increase from?

Each year the increase will take place on the last Monday of October if we charge your rent weekly and from 1 November if you pay monthly.

Why is my rent increasing?

We rely on the rent you pay to provide our services. We therefore need to increase your rent in line with rising prices.

Need help to pay your rent?

We want everyone to have somewhere to feel at home and we offer support to residents who are having difficulty paying their rent. We have a dedicated Welfare Benefits Team who help to make sure that anyone who is entitled to receive a state benefit does, and we offer advice on how to help manage your money if it is needed.

While we do everything we can to ensure that no one is evicted from their home, residents who don’t pay their rent and who refuse to work with us to come to a solution, will eventually be taken to court and may be evicted.

If you are having trouble paying your rent, contact the Income Team straight away by emailing incometeam@swan.org.uk or by calling 0300 303 2500.