As a council tenant you must pay your rent in advance every week, fortnight or month. Your tenancy agreement will include the details of your contract.
Your rent amount is fixed every April, in line with the government’s rules for setting rent. If we have to increase your rent, we’ll tell you in writing at least four weeks in advance.
You might not be receiving all the money you’re entitled to, or maybe you’re struggling to make the most of what you have. Check our debt and money advice to find ways to manage your money.
Pay by Direct Debit
The easiest way to pay is by monthly Direct Debit. You can choose to pay on the 1st, 8th, 15th or 22nd of each month.
Direct Debit is the most simple and convenient way to pay regular, recurring bills. It means you no longer have to worry about missed payments, or manually making each payment throughout the month, freeing up your time.
It also helps us reduce costs, making more money available to provide other services.
Download and print a Direct Debit mandate [PDF, 0.3MB]. You do not need to complete the ‘reference’ field in the first section. Alternatively, contact our customer services team on 01223 457000 or email enquiries@cambridge.gov.uk to request a Direct Debit mandate in the post.
Other ways to pay
Pay online
You can pay your rent online at any time, or transfer the money to us.
- Sort code: 201768
- Account number: 20412090
Use your tenancy number as the payment reference – without, it we cannot trace your payment.
Pay by phone
Call us on 01223 457779 to pay over the telephone.
You’ll need your housing rent account number and your debit or credit card. We’ll give you a confirmation number at the end of the transaction.
This telephone number is for payments only – we can’t answer questions on this number.
Pay in person
If you want to pay in person, you can only do so at a post office or where you see the PayPoint sign.
Pay from your salary
Some employers will take your rent out of your salary and send the payment direct to us.
Ask your employer whether they offer this service and then ask us for a form.
Get help to pay your rent
Contact us as soon as possible if you cannot pay your rent each week, or as specified in your tenancy agreement. If you miss payments and fall into arrears, we can seek to repossess your home.
Read the government’s information about benefits and financial support if you’re temporarily unable to work.
If you miss a payment while waiting for a benefit payment, it’s your responsibility to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
Payment plans
If you are having difficulties paying your rent, we can arrange an individual payment plan with you to help you spread the cost. For instance, this could include paying less rent for a few months, then spreading the cost over an agreed period to catch up (subject to individual circumstances).
For example, if your rent is £600 a month (£7,200 per year), we might be able to agree that you can pay £300 for two months and £660 for 10 months.
The council's rent team can work out payment plans tailored to your needs. Contact us as soon as possible if you are struggling to keep up with your repayments. If you miss rent payments, the team will contact you about it.
One-to-one help
The council's Financial Inclusion Officers offer free, friendly, confidential one-to-one sessions to help you with a variety of issues including benefit checks, budgeting, applying for universal credit, and grants.
Other help
- Use our benefits calculator to find out what benefits you can claim. You’ll need information about your savings, income, pensions and existing benefits.
- Use our budget planner to help keep track of your money.
- Visit Understanding Universal Credit to find out about the benefit, including how to claim.
