To make life easier for everyone involved, I introduced rent payment by direct debit. Now, the forms you fill in at the beginning of your tenancy are used to set up electronic transfers between your bank and mine and your rent money is taken automatically from your/your rent-payer's account.

What to do if your rent money fails to leave your account

If your rent doesn't get paid, it's usually because you haven't got enough money in your account to cover it. And if that happens, it may well cost you a whole lot extra in bank charges and fees, so best keep an eye on your balance.

Your bank will notify me if they cannot pay your rent and believe me when I say I'll be on the phone to you as quickly as you would be to me if you had a blocked drain. Be ready to tell me when you'll have the money and I'll sort it out to take your rent ASAP.

There's a fee for unpaid direct debits

Please note that, in addition to the rent, I will take a fee to cover my extra costs. It takes time checking up and chasing people whose money hasn't been received - plus it costs  to re-present the payment to the bank.

What if it's the bank's fault?

Because we'll have taken your deposit directly from your account, we'll already know your direct debit has been set up correctly, so it's highly unlikely that it will be the bank's fault. However, if this proves to be the case, then you should ask them to pay my charges. Just show them your rental contract to prove that you will be charged.

What if it's LS6 Houses' fault?

You are covered by the direct debit guarantee should anything go wrong at my end - like me charging you twice. All you have to do is ask and any incorrect payments will be immediately refunded to your account.

What to do if you don't have enough money in your account

If you do get caught out and don't have enough money in your account, don't bury your head in the sand. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Make a plan and then contact me and your bank to let us know what's happening - I'll be much more sympathetic if you show me that you're trying to solve the problem.

The cheapest option for you is if you call me BEFORE the direct debit is due to be taken so, again, it's best not to bury your head in the sand.