Direct Debit allows you to pay your rent directly from your bank or building society account. The main benefits in paying your rent/service charge in this way are as follows:
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It’s convenient
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It’s simple to set up
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Your rent or service charge is paid on time
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There’s no extra cost to you
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You are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
How does it work?
You sign a mandate giving permission for your bank to allow payments to be collected in advance from your bank account. Payments are collected on a monthly basis.
The Association currently offers two collection dates – the 1st, or 15th of each month. Please specify on your mandate form which date you prefer.
Do I need a special bank account?
If you have a bank or building society with cheque book facilities, then it is very likely that this account can accept Direct Debits. You may want to check with your bank before hand, but if you already pay other bills by Direct Debit from the account then you should be able to pay your rent that way too.
What if my rent changes?
The big advantage of Direct Debit is that as your rent changes, so does the amount collected, without you having to give any further instructions. We will recalculate your monthly payment and notify you of the new amounts before they are collected. You are always in control.
Is there a charge for paying this way?
No. All the costs of collecting this payment are met by the Association. Direct Debit is the cheapest way for us to collect your payments and money we save can be used to improve our services.
What is the Direct Debit Guarantee?
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This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies taking part in the Direct Debit scheme. The efficiency and security of the scheme is monitored and protected by your own Bank and Building Society. If the payment amount or dates change, you will be notified 10 working days in advance of your account being debited. If an error is made by your Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid.
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You can cancel a Direct Debit any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please send a copy of your letter to us.
How do I set up a Direct Debit?
Complete and sign a Direct Debit mandate. These are available to download from the document link below, from the Customer Services Centre or from your Income recovery officer. Once completed and signed please return it to us at:
Orbit Group
Freepost MID16993
Garden Court
Harry Weston Road
Coventry
CV3 2BR
We will then agree with you the payment amount and a start date once the Direct Debit has been set up. In the meantime, you should continue to pay your rent in the usual way.
You will need your seven digit reference number and your credit or debit card.
To be able to pay online you need to first register, then you will need to click on the link below which will take to the payment site.
Click on register and fill in your details, once completed you will need to set up a payment profile. Search via company name to find the part of the Orbit Group you want to make payments to: Orbit Housing Group (for Orbit East, Orbit First Step and insurance payments) or Orbit South (Orbit South customers). You will then need to enter your seven digit reference number.
Once this is completed you will then be able to make a payment.
You can pay us by credit card or debit card by phoning customer services on 0800 678 1221. You will need your tenancy reference number.
A swipecard holds your name and rent account reference number and allows you to pay in at a Post Office or Payzone outlet. It is not a credit card and has no monetary value.
Where can I pay?
You can pay your rent using the swipecard at any Post Office (cash, cheque or debit card) or shop offering the Payzone (cash or debit card) facility, your Income Recovery officer will be able to tell your your nearest shop. You can also visit the Payzone website at www.payzone.co.uk.
How do I pay my rent with the card?
You simply hand your card, along with your method of payment, to the cashier and tell them how much you are going to pay. The cashier will return the card to you along with a machine receipt for the amount you have paid.
Will the cashier know how much I should pay?
No. The cashier will have no access to any personal rent information. Any enquiries about the rent due or other tenancy issues will continue to be dealt with by your local office. The receipt that the cashier will give you is your proof of payment and you should check it and keep it safe.
When does the payment show on my rent account?
In normal circumstances, the payment should show on your rent account by the end of the next working day.
What about the rent payments for my garage or parking space?
You will receive separate payment cards for each. Please ensure you use the correct card for the payment you wish to make.
What happens if I lose or damage my card?
Don’t worry. Just contact customer services on 0800 6781221 or your local office as soon as possible and ask them to order a replacement card. This will normally be with you within five working days.
What if my rent changes?
You will still use the same card. Just tell the cashier how much you want to pay.
Can I get someone else to pay my rent for me?
Yes.
What happens if I move house?
If you move home, do not give the card to the new occupier. The card is personal to you. We will send you a new card for your new property.
We offer Bank Giro Slips to new tenants or existing tenants, but only in an emergency, please contact customer services or your Income Recovery Officer on 0800 6781221. You can use Giro Slip to pay at Post Offices (cash, cheque or debit card) and banks (cash, cheques or debit cards but please be aware that some banks may charge for this facility).
You can pay by cheque (made payable to Orbit Housing Group Limited). You must put your name, address and tenancy reference on the back of the cheque. Please send cheques to:
Finance
Orbit Group
Garden Court
Harry Weston Road
CoventryCV3 2SU
Please contact your local office if you have any queries. Please do not send cash through the post.
Please download the form below, fill in your details including your reference number, and forward it to your bank/building society.
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Direct Debit- PDF Version