We just want to remind you that we’ve changed the way rent-free weeks are organised in response to feedback from you.
In previous years, your rent-free weeks have been in April and December.
Following consultation with all Southway tenants in January 2021, we’re moving one of the free weeks so they are both in December because we know that costs can be higher at that time. This year, if you are not in arrears, you’ll have a two-week payment break from the week starting Monday 16th December 2024.
Everyone not in arrears gets the two free weeks. If you pay your rent and service charge (if you have any) by direct debit and pay weekly or fortnightly, we will adjust your direct debit to give you the free weeks in December.
If you pay by direct debit and pay us either monthly or every four weeks, we calculate how much you pay, taking into account the free weeks so your December payment will not be affected.
If this change means you will struggle with money problems please get in touch with our Advice team. They can offer you free and confidential advice and help with welfare benefits (including Universal Credit); employment support; debt advice and money management. You can email the team direct at adviceteamreferrals@southwayhousing.co.uk or see our contact us page for other ways to contact them.
Our Income team can also help if you are having difficulty paying your rent, no matter how serious the problems may seem. We can talk you through your situation and help you look at all the options that are available to you. These could include a plan to repay arrears which ccan start from as little as £4.25 per week towards your arrears.
So don’t delay! Please get in touch by emailing incomecollections@southwayhousing.co.uk, or see our Contact Us page for other ways to reach us.