Rent and Rent Payments
Your rent helps us maintain and improve our homes, provide services to residents and invest in our housing for the future.
Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) sets rents in accordance with Government policy and the requirements of the Regulator of Social Housing’s rent framework. Residents receive written notice of any rent changes before they take effect.
Ways to pay your rent
We offer a range of convenient payment options:
• Direct Debit
• Standing Order
• Online Banking
• Debit Card Payments
• Telephone Payments
• Housing Benefit and Universal Credit direct payment arrangements where applicable
We encourage residents to choose the payment method that works best for them and to ensure rent is paid regularly and on time.
If you are struggling to pay
We understand that circumstances can change. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact us as soon as possible.
The earlier we know there is a problem, the more support we can offer. Our aim is to help residents sustain their tenancy wherever possible by:
• Providing advice and support
• Helping maximise income and benefits
• Agreeing affordable repayment arrangements where appropriate
• Referring residents to independent debt and welfare advice services
We take an early intervention approach to rent arrears and will always seek to work with residents before considering enforcement action. This approach supports tenancy sustainment and helps prevent unnecessary evictions.
Some residents pay a service charge in addition to their rent.
Service charges contribute towards the cost of services and facilities provided in communal areas or within a housing scheme. Charges vary depending on the type of accommodation and the services available at each location. Examples of services that may be covered by a service charge include:
- Cleaning of communal areas
- Communal lighting and utilities
- Grounds maintenance
- Maintenance of communal facilities
- Fire safety and security systems
- Scheme management and administration costs
- Other communal services provided to residents
Where applicable, service charges reflect the reasonable cost of providing services and maintaining communal facilities. Charges are reviewed annually and residents are notified of any changes before they take effect.
Residents living in sheltered or retirement housing schemes may also receive additional housing support and wellbeing services. Information about any applicable charges and the services provided will be detailed in tenancy documentation and annual rent notifications.
If you have any questions about your rent or service charges, please contact us and we will be happy to explain how your charges have been calculated.
Financial Support and Welfare Benefits
We are committed to helping residents access the financial support to which they are entitled.
Benefits and Welfare Advice
Our staff can assist residents by:
- Signposting to welfare benefit advice services
- Supporting benefit applications where appropriate
- Helping residents understand changes to welfare benefits
- Referring residents to specialist advice organisations
Please note that LJHA does not provide regulated financial advice.
Universal Credit
If you receive Universal Credit and need help understanding your housing costs or rent payments, please contact us. We can help explain how housing costs are paid and discuss any support you may need.
Independent Money Advice
Useful organisations include:
- Citizens Advice
- MoneyHelper
- Leeds City Credit Union
- Paperweight
These organisations can provide independent advice on budgeting, debt management, savings and financial wellbeing.
Cost of Living Support
If you are worried about household finances, energy costs or meeting essential living expenses, please contact us. We can help identify local support schemes, charities and advice services that may be able to assist.
Support Charges refers to charges made for the Housing Support Service. If you live in accommodation designated for people over the age of 55 or Sheltered Accommodation you will receive the services of our Housing Support Workers.
The charges for the service vary according to the scheme you live in. If you are in receipt of housing benefit then the cost of the housing support service is likely to be covered for the day time support. However, the charge for night time support (or on call support) is not likely to be covered by housing benefit. LJHA staff will be able to provide you with more information about any housing or welfare benefits you may be entitled to.
Changes to Universal Credit from April 2024
Universal Credit is simplifying the benefits system by combining the following six benefits and tax credits into one single monthly payment:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions has been writing to people who receive these benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead, to ensure they still continue receiving financial support. This letter is called a ‘Migration Notice’.
You do not need to take any action until you receive your Migration Notice letter, however when you do, it’s important you check the date that you will need to claim by as you won’t be moved automatically.
It also provides information on the help available to prevent you from missing out on financial support from the government.
If you want some help with your Universal Credit application or you’re concerned about managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment, there are different types of support available.
You can learn more at Support and independent advice – Move to Universal Credit
Or please call our office on 0113 320 7777 and choose option 3 for Housing. Then choose either option 1 or 2 depending on whether you are a sheltered housing resident, or a general needs resident.
Financial Inclusion is a key priority for us – this is more important than ever with the introduction of welfare benefit changes. Whilst we don’t provide direct benefit or debt advice our finance department can offer support to help you to access financial services and ensure you are claiming your full benefit entitlement.
We offer a range of support to help people who may be struggling to pay their rent. We can assist you to take control of your finances, deal with debt, save money and access further support.
Alternatively you can contact the Welfare Rights Team at Leeds City Council on 0113 3760452 or by e-mail on Welfare.Rights@leeds.gov.uk.
Their office hours are Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4:30pm, Thursday 9am to 3:30pm, and Friday 9am to 4pm.
You can also get advice about individual benefits and tax credits from the GOV.UK website. You may also want to use the HM Revenue and Customs Tax credits calculator.
For information on affordable loans and competitive savings plans go to the Leeds City Credit Union website.
Your Rights and Information
We are committed to being open, transparent and accountable.
Under the consumer standards of the Regulator of Social Housing, residents should receive clear information about the services they receive, the charges they pay and how they can hold their landlord to account.
As an LJHA resident, you have the right to:
- Receive clear information about your rent and service charges
- Be treated fairly, respectfully and professionally
- Receive services that meet required standards
- Raise concerns or complaints and have them investigated fairly
- Receive information about how we are performing
- Provide feedback and help shape our services
- Request reasonable adjustments where required
We regularly publish information about our performance, including resident feedback and Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), helping residents understand how we are performing and where we are improving.
Complaints and Feedback
We welcome feedback and encourage residents to tell us when we have done something well or when we can improve. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, you can use our Complaints Procedure. We will investigate complaints fairly, openly and in accordance with our published procedures.
For more information, please visit our Complaints page or contact us directly. You can view our Complaints Policy here.