Your Home
- Paying Rent
- Permitted Payments
- Difficulties paying rent?
- Anti-Social Behaviour Advice
- Condensation & Mould Advice
- Bins
- Going away for an extended period of time?
- Parking
- Equality and Diversity
- Having Guests?
- Useful Links
- Having pets in your home
Paying Rent
Rent is payable monthly in advance; your rental due date will be determined by the date that you move into the property. This means that if you move into a property on the 5th May, you will pay your first month’s rent before you move in to cover the period 5th May to 4th June, thereafter your rental is due on the 5th of each month.
Rent is payable by standing order, over the phone, or direct debit. A form will be sent to complete for direct debit payments.
It is important that your rent is paid on time, if you do not pay your rent then you could be at risk of losing your home. You will have signed a legal document and could be taken to court if you do not abide by it.
If you are having trouble paying your rent then don’t ignore it, contact us immediately and we will try and resolve the matter with you. We may be able to come up with a payment plan to assist you.
Permitted Payments
Before the tenancy starts payable to Blenheim Estate Homes
Holding deposit: 1 week's rent
Deposit: 5 weeks' rent for up to £50k per annum; 6 weeks' rent for over £50k per annum
During the tenancy payable to Blenheim Estate Homes
Rental payments
- Payment of £50 if you want to change the tenancy agreement (variation of contract)
- Payment of interest for the late payment of rent at a rate of 3% above the bank of England Base
- Payment of up to £200 for the reasonably incurred costs for the loss of key/security devices, which includes replacement of lock if necessary
- Payment of £250 for costs associated with early termination of the tenancy, plus any rent that is due
During the tenancy (payable to the provider) if applicable
- Utilities - gas, electricity, water, oil
- Waste - emptying of septic tank or cesspit
- Installation of cable/satellite
- Subscription to cable/satellite supplier
- Television Licence
- Council Tax
Other permitted payments
Any other permitted payments, not included above, under the relevant legislation including contractual damages
Tenant protection
Blenheim Estate Homes is a member of the Property Redress Scheme. You can find out more details on the agent's website or by contacting the agent directly.
We are not a member of a CMP scheme as we are landlords, not agents.
Difficulties paying rent?
Rent is your most important bill and it is essential that you pay this before any other expenses. However, there are several ways in which you can save money on your household bills which may make your rental payments more manageable. We advise that you:
- Set your thermostat to 18˚C - 21˚C, as turning your thermostat down by 1˚C (but no lower than 18˚C) could save £60 a year.
- Close doors and windows when the heating is on.
- Ensure curtains and blinds are closed at dusk, making sure they do not hang in front of radiators.
- Use your heating programmer to set your heating to come on for half an hour before you wake up and before you go to bed or leave the house.
- Use the thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to ensure that different rooms are set to the right temperature, rather than having them all set to maximum.
Anti-Social Behaviour Advice
Click the button below for information on dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour.
Condensation & Mould Advice
Click the button below for information on dealing with Condensation & Mould.
Bins
Rubbish collection is managed by the local council and it is your responsibility to discard any household rubbish using the bins provided. If you have any queries regarding collection days, bulky waste collection options, recycling arrangements or requests for further bins, please follow the link below.
Going away for an extended period of time?
Please inform us if you’re going away for a period of more than 4 weeks as well as provide a contact name and number in case of emergencies. It is also advisable that if you are going away during the winter either turn off your water and drain your water supply or adjust your heating system to turn on regularly at a low heat to prevent burst pipes and possible damage to your home.
Parking
We advise all residents to keep to your allocated parking space or visitor parking, as well as refrain from parking anywhere which causes a nuisance, especially in front of other properties as this causes difficulty to some residents when manoeuvring out of their drives. If you are not sure where you are allowed park, please contact us for advice.
Equality and Diversity
Our policy is to deliver effective services, exemplary homes and communities. We promote equality and community cohesion whilst recognising the different needs and experiences of our residents and customers is crucial to achieving this aim.
Having Guests?
If you are expecting guests to stay for an extended period of time please contact your property manager for approval. Please note the tenant is responsible for any damage they or their guests have produced.
Useful Links
National Debtline West Oxon Council
Money Advice Service Citizens Advice Bureau
Having pets in your home
If you have a pet this must be written into the tenancy agreement. Please be respectful to other residents by not allowing pets to cause a nuisance, foul on gardens or communal areas or create a health or safety hazard. If you wish to request to have a pet, you must have our written permission to do so.