About Direct Debits
If you have a bank or building society, Direct Debit is a cheaper, more convenient way of paying your bills automatically. Once you have completed a form, the rest of the work is done by us. We ask your bank or building society for your rent installment each month so you don't to have to worry about remembering to pay it.
What are the benefits?
- You don't have to remember to pay every month
- No queues at banks or post offices
- No cost of a phone call when you make your payments
- No cheques to write, or cash to carry
- Protection through the Direct Debit Guarantee
- A choice of payment dates – 1st or 15th of the month
How does it work?
Once your bank or building society have accepted that a Direct Debit can be paid from your account, we ask them for the installment amount each month. We then do all the work.
We notify you of your payments for the year, i.e. amounts and dates, at least 10 days before the first payment is due to come out of your bank or building society account. We will tell you about any changes to your payments at least 10 days before your next payment is due. The 10 day period allows you enough time to query or (if required) cancel your Direct Debit.
Do many people pay by this method?
Yes! Almost 32 million people in Great Britain now use Direct Debit with the average household paying 6 bills by this method.
Why should I change the way I pay my rent?
We are committed to providing the most efficient collection service that we can. Therefore, we prefer people to pay by Direct Debit as it is the cheapest and most effective method of collecting rent, giving us more money to spend on making improvements to the services you receive from us.
Are there any guarantees?
Yes! 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.
The Direct Debit Guarantee is shown below and explains exactly what control and protection you have over the Direct Debit.
How do I set up a Direct Debit?
It's easy. You can download a form by clicking here:
Completed forms should be either brought to our Customer Service Centre or posted to:
Tenancy Services,
Stevenage Homes Ltd,
Daneshill House, Danestrete,
Stevenage,
Herts, SG1 1HN
You can also phone us on 01438 242666 or e-mail us at incomemaximisation@stevenagehomes.org.uk to request a form, to make changes to an existing Direct Debit or if you have any further queires
The Direct Debit Guarantee
- This 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, Stevenage Homes will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited, or as otherwise agreed
- If an error is made by Stevenage Homes 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