Your Rent
Your rent is a charge made by Soha to allow you to live in your home under the terms set out in your tenancy agreement. If you are a social housing tenant, your agreement shows your rent as a weekly amount and requires you to pay it on or before the Monday of each week.
Soha uses your rent to pay for maintaining your property (replacing windows, kitchens etc as they become worn out), repairing things when they break and managing the housing and estate services we provide. As Soha is a not-for-profit organisation, none of your money is given out to shareholders, it is reinvested in your homes or services for tenants.
Housing Benefit and other financial support
Soha is an independent landlord and is therefore not responsible for any benefits including Housing Benefit. These are the responsibility of your local authority. For most tenants this will be South Oxfordshire District Council ("SODC"). It is important that you apply for benefits that you qualify for as soon as possible. In most cases Housing Benefit is paid direct to Soha, so getting it sorted will mean you won't have to worry.
For more information on housing and other benefits ring SODC on 0845 6122422 or vist their website at www.southoxon.gov.uk.
Other Charges
Your rent is the main charge for your home, but in many cases there are other amounts you must pay with, and at the same time as, your rent, these include:
| Charge |
Summary |
More info |
| Service Charges |
Amounts to be paid for communal property services e.g. grass cutting |
click here |
| Water Charges |
Amounts collected by Soha for Thames Water |
click here |
| Support Charges |
Payable if you receive services that are for you not for your home |
click here |
What to do if you think you can't pay your rent on time
Your tenancy agreement that you signed requires you to pay the correct amount of your rent on time in return for living in your home. This is a contract between you and Soha and as such is very important. However, occasionally you might think you have problems making the rent payment in time. You should always try and put your rent payment first, but if you still have difficulties then Soha may be able to help and give you some advice. Click here for more information about rent arrears....
Other Information
Click on the side menu buttons on the right to find out how your rent is calculated, how to pay, the benefits of paying by direct debits, what to do if you are get behind with your rent and are in arrears; and how you qualify for the Tenants' Reward Scheme if you pay your rent on time.