Tamworth Borough Council tenants need to pay their rent weekly, in advance, on a Monday, although alternative arrangements can be made – such as fortnightly, four-weekly or monthly payments.

You can do this via Direct Debit, standing order, online, over the phone, or through various payment outlets across Tamworth displaying the Pay Point sign, such as newsagents, supermarkets and convenience stores.

A great way to set up payment is through your MyHousing account, where you can also view your rent balance, make payments, contact our team and manage various other aspects of your tenancy.

Create your MyHousing account here.

Joint tenants are equally responsible for making sure rent is paid and on time – this is known as being jointly and severally liable.

Payment options

• Download Direct Debit form – this saves us £20 per year in collection costs which can be used to improve your services
• Pay online 24/7
• Standing order – contact the income team below for more information
• Pay Point outlets – free service where payments are taken using your rent swipe card
• Telephone – call the automated payment service on 0345 2307 709

Rent free weeks

We split rent across the year to allow four rent-free weeks. Monthly Direct Debits take this into account.

The rent-free weeks for 2023/2024 are:

• 21 August 2023
• 18 December 2023
• 18 March 2024
• 25 March 2024

If you are struggling to pay your rent

We will always support any tenant who is struggling to pay their rent to try and find a solution that is fair and affordable to both parties. The key is to get in touch with us straight away if you need help, don’t wait until you are in arrears. Please don’t ignore the problem as this will only make it worse. Court action is a last resort which can often be avoided by working with us.

Solutions could involve helping you with housing costs by looking at benefits or grants available, referring you to other agencies who can help with debt advice, such as Tamworth Advice Centre, or coming up with a repayment plan for any arrears.

Please contact your tenancy sustainment officer on 01827 709514 or email incometeam@tamworth.gov.uk.

For more help, visit:

• MoneyHelper
• Help for Households
• Paying your rent guide

Legal action

Formal legal action for non-payment of rent is a last resort and follows a set process. A brief summary of the process is set out below, but it can depend on the circumstances. All attempts will be made to prevent eviction, as long as you engage with us.

Stage 1: We will contact you if you have missed a payment or paid less than is owed. If arrears remain uncleared, we will contact you a second time to agree a course of action, such as a repayment plan, and offer advice.

Stage 2: If you don’t engage with us, or rent remains unpaid, you will receive a formal legal notice called a ‘notice of intention to seek possession’. This gives you four weeks’ notice of potential court action. During this time, you can contact us to clear the arrears or reach an agreement. If you don’t, we have the right to start formal court action with Nuneaton County Court.

Stage 3: A formal court hearing takes place. After hearing from both parties, the judge will decide on a court order. If they feel an acceptable repayment offer has been made, a judge can issue a ‘suspended possession order’ and tenants can remain at the property as long as they comply with the terms. The council will seek to recover their costs from the tenant – currently this is £355 for the summons. Other court orders that can be made include adjourning the case, or immediate possession of the property.

Stage 4: Failing to comply with a stage 3 court order and failing to engage with the council could result in a ‘warrant of possession’, which will involve bailiffs repossessing the property. A minimum notice of 14 days will be given. To prevent this, you can apply for a ‘warrant suspension hearing’, at court where your solicitor can make your case to remain at the property.

Stage 5: If the repossession proceeds despite the warrant suspension hearing, you will have to make alternative living arrangements. This could involve speaking to our homelessness team, although our further duty of care to you may be limited as breaching the terms of a tenancy means you are likely to be considered intentionally homeless.