This information does not apply to you if you pay your rent directly into your co-operative’s own bank account

There are now several different ways you can pay your rent

• to pay your rent by debit card using our secure online payment facility - click here
• by Direct Debit
• by cash or cheque using a rent payment card in a local shop or post office
• over the phone using a debit card
• setting up a standing order with your bank

Although we would prefer you to use one of the above methods, you can also pay

• by sending a cheque to CDS Co-operatives
• in cash (office only)

Direct debit

If you have a bank account, the easiest and best way for you to pay your rent may be by direct debit. You can set up your direct debit over the phone. Simply call the customer services helpdesk on 03333 213030.

Rent payment card

Using your rent payment card, you can pay your rent at the Post Office, or at any PayPoint or PayZone outlet (usually in shops and garages). Make sure you get a receipt!

Debit card

If you have a debit card, you can pay your rent online or over the phone. Just call the customer services on 03333 213030 and ask to be put through to the arrears control team. You will need to have your debit card when you call.

Monthly or weekly standing order

You can pay your rent by monthly or weekly standing order. Click here to order a form.  However, you may not need a form and can check with your bank to see what their requirements are.

Cash and Cheques

In the interests of security and efficiency, we would prefer that you pay your rent using one of the methods listed above. However, if you need to make a rent payment urgently, you can still pay in cash at our head office at 3 Marshalsea Road, London
SE1 1EP. Please do not send cash through the post!

You can also post a cheque. Cheques should be made payable to CDS Co-operatives. Please write your name, address and tenancy number on the back of the cheque.

Housing Benefit

If you are entitled to Housing Benefit, payments will normally be sent straight to CDS Co-operatives. However if your Housing Benefit is paid into your bank account, you will need to pay the full rent using any of the above methods.

Paying your rent

You must pay your rent and you must pay on time. Your co-operative needs the money so they can run the organisation and provide services.You will lose your home if you do not pay your rent.

If you miss a payment you will fall into arrears. If this happens, you must contact your arrears control officer as soon as possible.  Do not delay letting us know you  are having problems paying your rent. We will give you help and advice so you can pay the outstanding rent. You will need to make an arrangement to clear any arrears. Remember, arrears can start off small when you miss the occasional payment but they build up quickly.

You should tell us as soon as your circumstances change, for example, if you lose your job. We will help you as much as possible to sort out all the benefits you will be entitled to. You should understand that you can be taken to court for not paying your rent. If you continue to fail to pay your rent, your co-op will get a court order for repayment or to repossess your home, or both.