Who is responsible for making sure rent is paid?
The tenant/s who signed the Residential Tenancy Agreement must make sure the rent is paid.
How can I pay my rent?
You can pay your rent a number of ways. The choice is yours.
1. EasyPay
Pay your rent electronically by any of the following three ways:
A. Rent Deduction Scheme
Rent can be deducted from all Centrelink payments including the Family Tax Benefit and can be paid directly to the department each fortnight.
Advantages:
- The Rent Deduction Scheme saves you time and effort. Rent is paid on time even if you are on holidays or ill.
- The scheme is free of charge.
- You can pay rent arrears, maintenance repayments and extra rent through this scheme.
To join the Rent Deduction Scheme, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to complete the Easy Pay Deduction Authority form . The department will then arrange the rent deductions for you.
B. Direct Deduction Facility
Rent can be deducted from all Department of Veterans Affairs payments and can be paid directly to the department each fortnight.
Advantages:
- The Direct Deduction Facility saves you time and effort. Rent is paid on time even if you are on holidays or ill.
- The scheme is free of charge.
- You can pay rent arrears, maintenance repayments and extra rent through this scheme.
To join the Direct Deduction Facility, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to complete the Easy Pay Deduction Authority for Department of Veterans' Affairs Payments Form . The department will then arrange the rent deductions for you.
C. Bank Direct Debit
Your rent can be deducted from your account held at a bank, credit union or building society and paid directly to the department. Some accounts, such as passbook accounts, are not electronic and cannot be used. If you are not sure, check with your financial institution.
Advantages:
- Saves you time and effort.
- Rent is paid on time even if you are on holidays or ill.
Disadvantages:
- Your financial institution may charge you a transaction fee for each payment that is deducted from your account.
- You need to make sure you have enough money in your account on the day rent is deducted.
- If there is not enough money in your account, you will be charged a dishonour fee by your bank and by the department.
To join the Direct Debit Scheme, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to complete the Direct Debit Request form and the Deduction Details for Bank Direct Debit form. The department will then arrange the rent deductions for you.
2. BPay
BPay allows you to pay your rent directly from your bank account using the telephone or Internet. BPay is fast, easy and convenient and provides you with a one-stop solution to rent payments.
You can use BPay to pay your rent if you are already registered for phone or Internet banking with a participating financial institution. Contact your bank, building society or credit union for more information on how to join BPay.
There are four easy steps to using BPay.
- Look for the distinctive BPay logo on your Payment Card.
- Contact your phone banking service or log onto your Internet banking service.
- Select the bill payment option and follow your financial institution's instructions. You will need to enter the biller code (747337), your rental account number and the amount you wish to pay.
- Wait and record the payment receipt number.
Remember: it is important that you record and keep the payment receipt number. The payment receipt number is needed to verify proof of your rent payment in case of any errors.
3. Payment Cards
Payment Cards can be used to pay your rent at any Australia Post Office.
Payment Cards are given to tenants who do not use EasyPay to pay their rent. Remember, you can also use your Payment Card to make rent payments via BPay (see BPay above).
If you lose or misplace your Payment Card, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre for a replacement card.