Paying your rent
Due to covid19 we are not accepting payments at the Town Hall. The alternative cash payments can be made at your local post office. Please see the Post Office website to find your nearest post office. Please note that opening and closing times may be subject to change.
Your rent helps us to maintain and make improvements to your home, provide housing services and give you help where necessary. Your rent and service charges must be paid regularly and always in advance.
Struggling to pay your rent?
If you get into any difficulty meeting your rent payments we’re here to help. Contact your rent income officer as soon as possible on 0800 137 111. They will give you free advice and support or refer you to an independent advice agency.
Ways to pay:
Direct Debit
Many tenants pay their rent by direct debit. It’s quick, easy and one less thing to remember. You can set up a direct debit here, call us on 0800 137 111 or complete the direct debit form below.
You can also complete the direct debit form below and return it to us at Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Hub, 292a Kensal Road, London W10 5BE.
By phone
If you have a debit or credit card, you can pay over the phone by calling 0800 137 111 or 020 3617 7080, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can use the automated payment line (which also operates out of hours) on 020 3974 4670 and selecting option 6.
Online
You make a payment using our online service.
We can accept Mastercard debit and credit cards, Visa debit and credit cards and Maestro.
To access the Housing Management online service, you will need to register for the service. You can log in with username, favourite word and PIN. If you do not have access to a computer there are computers in the boroughs libraries which are available to residents.
- You will be asked to provide your details and choose a ‘favourite word’, which is a word that only you will know and is used for additional security on your account.
- When you have registered, we will undertake a number of security validation checks to ensure it is a legitimate application. Once confirmed, your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be emailed to you within ten working days. Your PIN is a unique reference and will only be associated with you personally. It should not be shared with anyone else.
- As soon as you receive the email with your PIN, you can start using the online service.
- If you forget your PIN, you must complete the Log on Reminder form. Your PIN reminder will only be sent to the email address on your account.
- If you have any questions about the online service, please email us at [email protected] or call 0203 617 7080 or 0800 137 111 (Freephone)
Log in to the Housing Management online service
If you are a Lancaster West resident, who needs to pay your rent or service charge, or if you want to check your balance, please visit the WeAreW11 website.
Standing Order
Call your bank or building society to set up a standing order: You will need our bank details
Head Office Collection Account
Housing Rents and Service Charges
Natwest PLC
Sort code 57-20-40
Account Number 00000000
Internet banking
You can make payment online. The Council’s bank details are:
Sort code: 57-20-40
Account Number: 00000000
Please include your 11-digit payment reference number.
By post
You can pay by cheque made payable to ‘Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Please include your address and payment reference details on the back.
Send your cheque to:
Director of Finance
PO Box 5523
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX.
Post office
You can pay with cash or by cheque. Please make cheques payable to The Post Office Ltd. You will need your swipe card which you can order by using our online form.
Order new service charge payment card
Please allow three days for the payment to reach us.
At the Town Hall
We’re sorry this service is not currently available.
Housing Benefit
If you are claiming Housing Benefit it will usually be paid directly to us. Remember though, your Housing Benefit does not cover the full amount of your rent. Please make sure that you make arrangements to pay us the outstanding amount.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, your rent element of your claim will be paid directly to you so you will need to use one of the methods above to pay your rent. Direct Debit is our preferred option and you can arrange for your rent to be taken shortly after your monthly Universal Credit payment.
Late or missed payments
It’s important that payments are made on time. We collect rent on a weekly basis which is payable in advance. If you choose to pay your rent monthly you should make sure your account is one month in credit to keep in line with the terms of your tenancy agreement.
You will be informed of your rent charges when you sign your tenancy agreement. Water rates are included in your weekly rent and are not eligible for Housing Benefit. Some estates have communal heating charges which are also not eligible for Housing Benefit.
What should I do if I miss a payment?
If you’re having difficulty with paying your rent, please contact your rent income officer immediately on 0800 137 111 or 020 3617 7080. We can give you confidential support and help with:
- benefit entitlements
- Housing Benefit claims
- a payment plan to help you to clear the arrears
- money management advice and signposting to specialist advice agencies.
What happens if I fall behind with my rent?
We will try and contact you by telephone and letter. We can also visit you at home if you are elderly, disabled or unwell.
If the arrears continue to increase then you will receive a Notice of Seeking Possession, or Notice of Possession proceedings if you are an introductory tenant. This is the first stage in the legal process where the matter could be referred to court.
The notice gives you four weeks to pay the debt and also offers an appointment with your rent income officer.
A letter will be sent signposting you to local agencies who can give you independent advice relating to debt, benefits and money management.
If you do experience any issues with paying your rent, please contact your rent income office on 0800 137 111.
Legal proceedings
If no arrangement is made to clear the debt within 90 days of a Notice of Possession being served, we may apply to the county court for a possession order. You must attend the court hearing.
In court we may ask for one of the following:
- A suspended possession order. This means you will be able to keep your home if you agree to the terms for repaying rent as set by the court.
- An outright possession order. This means your tenancy will be brought to an end.
A money judgement will be requested if either of the above is awarded by the court. Having a money judgement against you can affect your chances of obtaining credit in the future.
Court costs will also be added to your debt.