Pay your rent

When to pay  

You must pay your rent weekly or in advance if you pay monthly. 

If you get Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s paid. 

 

You need your rent account number 

You need your rent account number to pay your rent. Your number will be: 

  • on your rent card or rent statement
  • 8 digits long  
  • start with 1, 2 or 5 

The number for your rent account is: 

  • in recent emails, letters or text messages from us
  • in your online housing account, if you have already registered for one 

Log in to the online housing account 

If you do not know your rent account number 

Ask us to send you your rent account number  

 

Pay online 

You can pay by debit or credit card.

Pay rent online 

Set up a Direct Debit 

Direct Debit is the quickest and easiest way to pay your rent.  

It means you can pay automatically each month on the day you choose. 

You’ll need your bank account number and sort code. 

Set up Direct Debit 

 

Online banking 

You need to put your 8 digit reference number when making payments.  

When you’re paying into Redbridge council’s account, use: 

  • sort code: 57 48 02
  • account number: 00000000 (that’s 8 zeros)
  • reference: your rent account number or payment reference number. This can be found on your rent statement or card  

 

Pay by phone 

Call 020 8708 4708 to pay by debit or credit card.   

You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   

You’ll need to know: 

  • your payment reference number
  • how much you need to pay
  • your card details 

We accept: 

  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • MasterCard 

 

Pay in-person 

You can pay your rent at the post office or at a PayPoint. 

You’ll need your rent payment card.  

Get a new rent card

At the post office  

You can pay using cash up to £300. 

You can pay up to £999.99 using: 

  • debit or credit card 

Post Office branch finder  

At a PayPoint  

You can pay using cash up to £200.  

PayPoint locator 

 

If you do not pay your rent  

You’ll fall behind on your rent payments. You may be at risk of losing your home.   

We’ll take action to get the money that is owed.    

Paying your rent is a legal requirement. By signing your tenancy agreement, you have agreed to pay rent when it’s due. 

We’ll start to contact you by phone, visit you or send you an email, letter or text. 

Tell us 

It’s important that you tell us as soon as possible if you’re having difficulty making payments.  

We can:   

  • talk to you about payment plans so you can afford to pay back the rent that is owed
  • help you find out if you’re entitled to any benefits. For example, Housing Benefits, Universal Credit or Discretionary Housing Payments