FAQs

Q. When are the rent free weeks?

A. Villages has a system of charging you your annual rent over a 49 or 50 week period. The "No Rent Due" weeks are used as a way to give you "a week off" from paying your rent. We decided to have one of these weeks before Christmas, so as to give our tenants a chance to save a few extra pennies for the Christmas Festivities.

This includes rent on garages, and applies to both houses and apartments.

However, tenants who are in arrears do not qualify for "No Rent Due" weeks and must still pay their rent during these weeks.

Fitton Hill:

W/c 5 April 2010 and w/c 20 December 2010, w/c 27 December 2010.

w/c 4 April 2011 and w/c 19 December and w/c 26 December 2011

Stockbridge Village:

W/c 5 April 2010 and W/C 27th December 2010.

w/c 4 April 2011 and w/c 26 December 2011

Q. Can I pay my rent over the telephone?

A. Yes, by using your debit card during Rent Office Opening times.

Q. How long does it take to set up a new direct debit?

A. Villages has to give you and your bank at least 10 working days notice to set up a new direct debit so please allow 3 weeks' notice to be on the safe side.

Q. How much notice do I need to give to change the amount I pay by direct debit?

A. Villages needs at least 10 working days notice to amend the amount you pay by direct debit.

Q. When does my rent go up?

A. For Assured tenants this will be on the first Monday in April each year even though, in most cases, this is a rent free week. For secure tenants this will be on the anniversary of the last Fair Rent Officers review.

Q. When do my service charges go up?

A. These are changed at the same frequency as rent. For example:

For Assured tenants this will be on the first Monday in April each year even though in most cases this is a rent free week.
For secure tenants this will be on the anniversary of the last Fair Rent Officers review.

Q. What period does my housing benefit cover?

A. If received monthly then housing Benefit normally covers the previous 4 weeks (i.e. 4 weeks in arrears)

In Stockbridge weekly Housing Benefit is paid to cover the following week (i.e. 1 week in advance)

In Fitton Hill weekly Housing Benefit is paid to cover the previous week (i.e. 1 week in arrears)

Q. Is there a waiting list for properties?

A. The waiting list will usually depend on your current circumstances. Download our Letting Homes Service Standard for more detailed information.

Q. I've seen an empty house, why can't I have it?

A. You would need to be registered on the waiting list. Property is usually allocated when the previous tenant gives notice. See our Letting Homes service standard, or call your local office for more details.

Q. Why can't you just evict people who are nuisance?

A. Villages have to get a court order to evict someone and would need evidence to present before the court.

Q. How do I become a member of the Tenants Forum?

A. If you would like to join either Tenants Forum, please contact your local Community Development Officer; Barbara Murray (Stockbridge Village) 0151 480 1313, Lisa Fowles (Fitton Hil) 0161 633 4060. You can find lots of information about different ways you can get involved in the Getting Involved section of our website.

Q. How do I get something to go into the 'Our Times' newsletter?

A. If you have any ideas or articles for Our Times please contact Elena Lloyd on 0151 480 1313.