We have put together some frequently asked questions around paying your council home or garage rent.

When should I pay my rent? 

Rent is payable weekly from Monday. Payment must be received by us by Sunday at the latest to avoid your account going into arrears. Depending on the payment method you choose, you may need to allow extra time for the payment to reach us. Please contact us if you would prefer to pay your rent on a monthly basis. 

Where can I find my rent account reference number? 

You can find your rent account reference number on any rent related letter we have sent to you. It may also be referred to as a payment reference, which is the same as the rent account reference number. 

What charges will show on my rent account? 

Other charges may show on your rent account and be payable alongside your rent. Some of the charges are linked to your home and cannot be removed. Details are provided within your tenancy agreement. Other charges such as home contents insurance and the garden assistance scheme are optional, and you can choose to add them to your rent account. For more details, take a look at our information about your rent and services charges.  

If my account is in credit can I request a refund? 

Yes, you can request a refund if your account is in credit. Please be aware that this can take three to four weeks and any credit on your rent account will be used to pay Council Tax and sundry debts before any remaining credit is returned to you.

Rent refund form	(Word 81 KB)
Rent refund form - next of kin	(Word 81 KB)

Will the amount of rent I pay change? 

At the beginning of your tenancy, we tell you how much your rent is in your tenancy agreement. We normally change your rent once a year in April. We will never change your rent without telling you about it in writing at least four weeks in advance. Find out more information about how we set rent charges. 

How can I check my rent balance or payment history? 

You can view your rent balance or payment history, by logging in or signing up for a My Chesterfield account. You can also view details of your tenancy, report issues such as missed bins or noise and manage your Council Tax bills through My Chesterfield.  

What should I do if I am having difficulty paying my rent? 

If you are having difficulty paying your rent, please contact us as soon as you can. The sooner we know, the easier it will be for us to help you. You can find further advice and information on dealing with rent arrears and getting help to pay your rent. 

Who do I contact to nominate an advocate or representative to discuss my rent account on my behalf? 

You can nominate a representative to discuss your rent account on your behalf, find out more here. 

What is my rent used for? 

We are careful when deciding how to use the rent you pay. Your rent pays for: 

Repairs to your home and planned maintenance such as replacing windows or putting in new kitchens. 

The housing and estate management services we provide including landscape maintenance 

To find out more about how we spend the money we receive as rent, take a look at our housing services annual report.