Paying your rent in public housing

You will go into debt if you do not pay your rent and other bills in the set time period.

The time you have to pay a bill can be different for each service provided.

For example:

• rental arrears - immediately
• excess water charges - 30 days
• damage to property charges - 30 days
• legal fees - 30 days
• bond - the date you start your tenancy
• bond assistance loan - as per your repayment schedule.

If you can't make your payments, you must talk to your housing officer so you can talk about options.

Notice of rental arrears

You will be sent an arrears advice letter if your rent is seven days overdue.

If your rent is still not paid seven days after this first letter, you will receive a final arrears advice letter.

The letters will include a summary of your account.

Help with paying your debts

It is important that you contact your local housing office as soon as possible to let them know you are having problems paying your bills.

You can also ask to be put in contact with support services that can help you with debt management and budgeting advice.

Agreement to pay

You may not be able to repay your debt with one repayment.

The department will work with you to organise a number of repayments over an agreed period of time.

This is called an agreement to pay.

For more information, contact your local housing office.