This page contains general information on how to pay rent etc. For most other services you should call at or contact the co-op office.
Paying Rent
There are several ways of paying your rent, and you can pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. All payments must be accompanied by your tenancy reference (which is printed on your rent statements), and preferably your name and address too, to safeguard against possible errors.
- The most convenient way to pay your rent is by standing order. Click here for a standing order form that you can print out and send to your bank.
- If you use online banking, you can use the information on the standing order form to set up online payments to us. Make sure that your tenancy code is given as the reference for your payments. It helps if you also include your surname/address, but please note that banks chop off any text beyond the first 16 letters, so be sure to put your tenancy code at the start! (This also applies to standing orders.)
- You can pay rent at any Post Office using your payment book. Payments will normally reach our bank account after 1–2 working days.
- If you are unable to use other payment methods you may also use your payment book to pay by cheque at the co-op office. (Please note the office does not accept cash payments, these must be made through a Post Office.)
If you receive Housing Benefit, this will normally be paid directly into our bank account by the Council's Housing Benefit department. You will still be responsible for paying the Water Rates and any portion of the rent not covered by the benefit payments.
Tenancies
At the end of 2008, Lewisham Council amended the tenancy agreements after consulting with tenants. You can find information about the current tenancy agreement at the Lewisham Homes Tenancy page.
Leaseholders
Some of the co-op’s activities such as estate upkeep and communal repairs benefit leaseholders as well as tenants. However some leaseholder services are provided by Lewisham Homes (including the collection of leaseholder service charges). For more information see their leaseholder information webpages.
Complaints procedure
We exist for the benefit of our residents and so aim to provide a good service. However if you have a problem with our service that can’t be sorted out informally and wish to register a complaint, you should write to the Housing Manager in the first instance. (It is important to put things in writing so that we can be clear about precisely what the problem is.) You should get an initial reply within three working days.
If the problem remains unresolved you should write to the Chair of the Management Committee c/o the co-op office. A response should be given within five working days. If you remain unsatisfied you can contact the Council’s Housing Division Complaints Team and ultimately the Local Government Ombudsman. Full information about these procedures is available from the co-op office on request.