There are a number of ways you can pay your rent. We have increased the number of payment options to make it as easy as possible for you to do this. These payment options are set out below.
Direct Debit allows you to pay directly from your bank or building society account. The main benefits in paying your rent/service charge in this way are as follows:
How does it work?
You sign a mandate giving permission for your bank to allow payments to be collected in advance from your bank account. Payments are collected on a monthly basis.
The Association currently offers two collection dates – the 1st or the 15th of each month. Please specify on your mandate form which date you prefer.
Do I need a special bank account?
If you have a bank or building society with cheque book facilities, then it is very likely that this account can accept Direct Debits. You may want to check with your bank beforehand, but if you already pay other bills by Direct Debit from the account then you should be able to pay your rent that way too.
What if my rent changes?
The big advantage of Direct Debit is that as your rent changes, so does the amount collected, without you having to give any further instructions. We will recalculate your monthly payment and notify you of the new amounts before they are collected. You are always in control.
Is there a charge for paying this way?
No.
All the costs of collecting this payment are met by the Association. Direct Debit is the cheapest way for us to collect your payments and money we save can be used to improve our services.
What is the Direct Debit Guarantee?
How do I set up a Direct Debit?
If you would like to pay your rent by Direct Debit, please complete and sign one of the following forms:
PRIVATE RETIREMENT RESIDENTS - Download a Direct Debit Form
ALL OTHER RESIDENTS - Download a Direct Debit Form
PLEASE NOTE - These forms are different and it is important that you use the right one. If you are not sure which form to use please contact you local housing office for advice.
Once completed and signed please return it to us at:
Orbit Group
Freepost MID16993
Garden Court
Harry Weston Road
Coventry
CV3 2BR
We will then agree with you the payment amount and a start date once the Direct Debit has been set up. In the meantime, you should continue to pay your rent in the usual way.
You will need your 7 digit reference number and your credit or debit card.
To be able to pay online you need to first register, please click on the link below which will take you to the payment site.
https://www.billpayment.co.uk/scripts/index.asp
Click on register and fill in your details, once completed you will need to set up a payment profile. Search via company name to find the part of the Orbit Group you want to make payments to: Orbit Housing Group (for Orbit East, Orbit First Step and insurance payments), Orbit South (Orbit South customers) and Orbit Heart Of England (for Orbit Heart of England customers). You will then need to enter your 7 digit reference number (without this we can not identify who has made the payment and will result in delays in updating your account).
Once you have set up your payment profile you will then be able to ‘pay a bill.’
Click on pay a bill and enter your debit/credit card details.
What is a swipecard?
A swipecard is a plastic card that holds your name and rent account reference number. It ensures that any money you pay in at a Post Office or Payzone outlet will reach your rent account. It is not a credit card and has no monetary value.
What information is printed on the card?
1. Card reference number
2. Your name
3. Your tenancy reference
Where can I pay?
You can pay your rent using the rent payment swipecard at any Post Office or retail outlet offering the Payzone facility.
Post Office:
Payments can be made in cash, cheque or debit card. If paying by cheque you will need to make this payable to Post Office Limited.
Payzone:
This service is located predominantly in larger shops and garages, many of which are open 24 hours or early mornings, late nights and at weekends. Payments can be made by cash or debit card. Outlets offering the Payzone facility should display the Payzone logo. Please contact your local office for Payzone outlets, or alternatively visit the website www.payzone.co.uk.
How do I pay my rent with the card?
You simply hand your card, along with your method of payment, to the cashier and tell them how much you are going to pay. The cashier will return the card to you along with a machine receipt for the amount you have paid.
Will the cashier know how much I should pay?
No.
The cashier will have no access to any personal rent information. Any enquiries about the rent due or other tenancy issues will continue to be dealt with by your local office. The receipt that the cashier will give you is your proof of payment and you should check it and keep it safe.
When does the payment show on my rent account?
In normal circumstances, the payment should show on your rent account by the end of the next working day.
What information is printed on the receipt?
1. Post Office or Payzone Address
2. Date and time
3. Name of the Association
4. Amount paid
5. Method of payment
What about the rent payments for my garage or parking space?
You will receive separate payment cards for each. Please ensure you use the correct card for the payment you wish to make.
What happens if I lose or damage my card?
Don’t worry. Just contact customer services or your local office as soon as possible and ask them to order a replacement card. This will normally be with you within 5 working days.
What if my rent changes?
You will still use the same card. Just tell the cashier how much you want to pay.
Can I get someone else to pay my rent for me?
Yes.
If you cannot get to the pay points yourself, you can ask someone else to make a payment on your behalf using your card. Please ensure they retain the receipt on your behalf.
What happens if I move house?
If you move home, do not give the card to the new occupier. The card is personal to you. We will send you a new card for your new property.
By Phone
You can pay us by credit card or debit card by phoning customer services. You will need your tenancy reference number and your debit or credit card.
You can pay by cheque (made payable to Orbit Housing Group Limited). You must put your name, address and tenancy reference on the back of the cheque. Please send cheques to:
Finance
Orbit Group
Garden Court
Harry Weston Road
CoventryCV3 2SU
Please contact your local office if you have any queries. Please do not send cash through the post.
If you have a bank account you can pay by standing order. However as you would have to inform your bank of any changes, it is more convenient for you and easier for us if you pay by Direct Debit instead. Please see the Direct Debit section for more information. If you would like to set up a standing order you can download and print a form here. You must fill in all the sections on the form and post it to your bank or building society. If you need help to complete any information please contact your local housing office.
Standing order form - Orbit East - pdf
We continue to offer Bank Giro Books, please contact customer services. Please be aware that some banks may charge for this service.
We will continue to offer the facility to pay by cheque or cash at your local office where it currently exists. Please contact them, or alternatively customer services for details.
