Changes to rent and service charges
We’ve sent a rent increase booklet to a large number of Southern Housing residents confirming their annual rent and service charges due after 1 April 2024. In some cases, there have been increases.
We've more information and guidance about the changes to your rent and why this is happening. We explain how we use your rent and what support is available if you’re struggling to pay.
Ways to pay
There are lots of different ways you can make a payment to us for your rent or service charges.
As Southern Housing is a new housing association (formed following the merger of Optivo and Southern Housing Group), the payment options available to you depend on who used to manage your home; either Optivo or Southern Housing Group. The information you need can be found below.
If your home was previously managed by Optivo then there are a number of easy ways to make payments.
PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT:
To set up a Direct Debit with us please call on 0800 121 60 60 and we'll help you.
It's the easiest way to pay as your payments are automatically taken from your account each month.
PAY ONLINE:
The quickest and easiest way to check your rent and service charge account and make payments is online using MyAccount.
You can also download the 'Optivo PayPoint' app to make payments on your smartphone or tablet. Select the device you have to find out more about the app:
- For Android devices visit Google Play Store
- For Apple iOS devices visit the App Store
- For Windows devices visit Windows Phone Apps.
If you’re logging in to PayPoint for the first time or want to make a guest payment, you’ll need a 19 digit reference number. We've written to you with this unique reference number. Or you can request it from us.
Alternatively you can making a one off payment online. Here's what you need to do:
- Enter your eight digit tenancy reference number (this can be found on your tenancy agreement and on any letters you've received from us)
- Tell us how much you want to pay
- Enter your payment card details and click ‘Submit’.
PAY WITH PAYPOINT:
Use the Southern PayPoint app to pay your bills online using your smartphone.
Simply search PayPoint in your app store.
You can also pay the amount due at any shop or outlet that displays the PayPoint logo. You'll need to take your rent payment card with you.
Visit the PayPoint to find your closest PayPoint location.
PAY BY PHONE:
Call us on freephone 0800 121 60 60 and have your debit or credit card to hand.
PAY USING INTERNET BANKING OR STANDING ORDER:
Some residents make bank payments to us or have set up a Standing Order. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this payment option.
Contact us
If you currently make payments to us by Standing Order and your rent or service charge has changed, it's important you alter your payment total to reflect what's due. This can normally be done using your banking app or your online bank account but if you need support please contact your bank.
Please make sure you use your 8-digit tenancy reference as a payment reference on any payments made. If you're not sure what this is please give us a call.
If your home was previously managed by SHG then there are a number of easy ways to make payments.
PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT
To set up a Direct Debit with us please call our Service Centre on 0300 303 1063 and we'll help you.
It's the easiest way to pay as your payments are automatically taken from your account each month.
PAY ONLINE:
You can check your rent and service charge account and make payments using our online account.
PAY WITH PAYMENT CARD
You can pay the amount due at any shop or outlet that displays the PayPoint logo or at your local post office. You'll need to take your rent payment card with you.
Find your nearest PayPoint location Find your local post office
PAY BY PHONE
Call our automated service 24 hours a day on 0300 303 1771 and have your debit or credit card to hand.
Use our handy postcode checker and we'll tell you who to get in touch with.
Use our postcode lookup toolIf you would like to talk to us about our rent or service charges then we're here to help.
We also have a range of financial support available on our website.
Please note, we're making improvements to the way we manage service charges so we can offer an improved service for our residents.
As we implement these changes, please expect delays in our response times to your enquiries relating to service charges. The new team are working through the oldest queries first and aim to provide a full response within 4 weeks.
During this time for the fastest service we encourage residents to check their rent and service charge statements online, using our online services. For any wider support needed please contact us (you can do this through our online services or by other contact channels).
We remain here to support residents and apologise for any slightly longer response times to service charge queries caused while our system and process changes are made.
Our online services
Want to view your rent statement or service charge information?
You can keep track of rent payments and service charge information 24 hours a day using our online services.
Using our online service is the quickest and easiest way to keep up to date with your payments and also allows you to report repairs and contact us at a time and place convenient to you!
Use our online service
Spotlight on Service Charges
Our special guide for homeowners on service charges.
Read more