Rent and service charge payments should be made monthly in advance. There are a number of ways for you to pay:

Direct Debit

Please ring 0800 035 22 11 to set up a Direct Debit over the phone. Collections can be made every week (on a Monday) or any day of the month.

Standing Order

 

Please ring 0800 035 22 11 to request a standing order form. This form is to be completed and taken to your bank.

Giro Payment Card

Payments can be made by cash or cheque at any Post Office or Pay Point outlet. A receipt will be provided on payment. Please keep all receipts for your records.

By Telephone

 

You can pay by credit or debit card over the phone by ringing 0800 035 22 11. A receipt will be sent to you as confirmation of payment.

Telephone Banking

 

If you want to pay via your banks’ telephone banking service, use the following details to ensure payments are made correctly:

Irwell Valley sort code: 72 00 00
Account name: Irwell Valley Housing Association
Account Number: (0) 6951635
Your reference number: _________ (stated on all correspondence)

Payments Online

 

Click here to pay online.

 
By Post

 

If you wish to pay by post, cheque or postal order, please make it payable to Irwell Valley Housing Association. Write your reference number and address on the back and send it to:

 

Irwell Valley Housing Association
The Finance Department
Paragon House
48 Seymour Grove
Manchester
M16 0LN

A receipt will be sent to you as confirmation of payment.
Cash should not be sent through the post. Post-dated cheques will not be accepted.

 

Service Charges

 

The details of your service charge and what you are paying for can be found within your lease. This service charge will be reviewed every year.

Service charges will be reviewed in conjunction, and in consultation, with leaseholders and shared owners. This will ensure the services provided by Irwell Valley are to an acceptable standard and are delivering value for money.

During this consultation you will have the opportunity to make any recommendations or suggestions, such as the change of contractors. Your Home Ownership Officer will work with leaseholders and shared owners throughout this process.

Additional Services

 

Additional services can be added to a scheme or block of apartments. If additional services are added, Irwell Valley may adjust your service charge. Any increase will be discussed with all leaseholders and shared owners, as appropriate, before any new services are introduced. All residents will be required to contribute to the cost of the service, whether a one-off initial cost or the ongoing maintenance or running of a service, e.g. CCTV or increased specifications for communal cleaning etc.

How do we calculate service charges?

Each year service charges are estimated for the following year, starting in April. At the end of the financial year, 31 March, the service charges are checked and audited. A copy of this audit will be sent out to all leaseholders and shared owners by 30 September unless otherwise notified. Any balances are carried forward to the following year’s service charge estimate.

What is a sinking fund?

 

This is a contribution included within the annual service charge, which builds up funds for planned maintenance and repairs within a communal building. This ensures money is available for major items of expenditure and means service charges will not fluctuate dramatically from one year to the next.

Such items can include:

The sinking fund is reviewed annually and any changes are included within the service charge review and notification, which will be sent to you.

Financial Difficulties

 

If you are having difficulty paying rent or service charges, you should contact the Legal Services Team on 0800 035 22 11, as soon as possible. We may be able to come to an arrangement for repayment of any arrears, or direct you to your local Housing Benefit office, which may be able to assist.

You could be at risk of losing your home if you fail to take action if you have arrears.

If you require further assistance to repay your debt, the Legal Services Department are able to refer you to your local Welfare Rights Office or Citizens Advice Bureau. These advisory services can ensure that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, and can offer independent debt counselling. It is important you contact our Legal Service Department if you wish to be referred.

Failure to make payments on time can result in interest being charged, as per your lease and legal action being taken against you. Your mortgage lender will also be notified if you fail to pay your monthly rent and service charge.

 

Rent Increases

Your rent will increase once a year and you will receive the relevant notice of any increase one month before. If you have any queries with your rent increase, please contact your Home Ownership Officer.