Ways to pay your rent
Direct Debit
The easy way to pay your rent on time. You can choose to pay by Direct Debit weekly or monthly.
Pay Online
You can also make a card payment online.
To do this you will need:
- your rent account reference number
- the amount to pay
- and a debit or credit card to hand
Please click on payment type: Housing/Garages/ Leaseholders.
Please note: From now, our payment page will look different, as it’s been updated to offer you extra security when making online payments.
Pay by Phone
To make a payment via our automated payment line, please call 0300 330 7003 and press * (star key) option at any time. Please make sure you have your unique tenancy reference number handy.
Click on the sections below to read more
We are here to help
If you’re not able to pay your rent, talk to us as soon as possible.
There are a number of organisations who provide free, confidential and non-judgemental money advice. You can find details of these organisations in our managing your money and benefits sections.
Universal Credit
You can also visit our Universal Credit page for help and advice on making a benefit claim.
Payzone and Post Office
Cash payments can be made at most outlets where you see the Payzone sign.
You can take a letter or statement with you which displays the Payzone barcode, or you can use your Housing Rent Swipe Card (if you need a letter to be sent to you, please call 0300 330 7003).
Standing Order
You can set up a bank standing order payment through your bank. Payment should be made to West Northamptonshire Council’s account quoting your rent account reference number with any payment.
West Northamptonshire Council
Barclays Bank
Sort Code 20-17-68
Account 70509035
If you’re unsure about setting up a Direct Debit payment online, you can complete this Direct Debit form at home and bring it in to the Guildhall next time you visit us, or phone our Rent Income Team on 0300 330 7003.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is available to help meet the cost of rent and service charge payments. It is a means tested benefit, which means that entitlement is calculated by taking into account your income and savings, as well as whether anyone else lives in the household and the amount of their income.
If you think you may be entitled to Housing Benefit you should apply as soon as possible because housing benefit will only be paid from the date of your application. The quickest way to apply for Housing benefit is by doing so online.
If you need any assistance or help to apply for housing benefit please contact us.
Universal Credit
Visit our UC page to find out more.
Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme
The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme was introduced to provide financial support for those on a low income who may need further help with their housing costs.
Help through the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme is only available for tenants who are or were in receipt of Housing Benefit and need additional financial support to pay their rent. You cannot receive more than the shortfall in your weekly eligible rent.
The amount awarded is entirely at the discretion of West Northamptonshire Council’s Housing Benefit Team. Each application will be assessed on its individual circumstances.
You can apply online, or contact us on 0300 330 7003 and we can assist you with an application.
You can view your rent account online on Your NPH.
You will need to register if you’ve not done so before.
Advantage Weeks (Rent Free Weeks)
NPH tenants can benefit from Rent Free Weeks, also known as Advantage Weeks.
To be eligible for a rent free week, your rent account must be clear at the time of the offer and not owe any rent.
There are 4 Advantage Weeks each year.
The free weeks for 2025/26 are as follows:
Week 21 – 25th August 2025
Week 38 – 22nd December 2025
Week 39 – 29th December 2025
Week 52 – 30th March 2026
The Rental Exchange and your data
Renters sometimes struggle to get affordable loans, a mortgage and credit cards or to open bank accounts. Often this is because they do not have a credit history. If you want to buy something on credit, then it helps to have a track record of paying off credit agreements. Companies use credit history to assess your ability to pay before making a lending decision.
Having a good credit history also helps to provide proof of your identity, where you live and where you have lived before. This can help you access a range of goods and services online, including getting the best deals on mobile phones, TV and broadband packages and car insurance.
Homeowners with a mortgage have an advantage as their mortgage payment history can count towards their credit history and we believe that your rent payment history should be used in the same way to help you access more affordable credit. There is a public interest in the sharing of data into Rental Exchange for these purposes, which forms our legal ground for the sharing of this data into the Rental Exchange. Landlords who share data into Rental Exchange will have a legitimate interest in being able to make use of this data to support better informed tenancy decisions.
We have teamed up with Experian to take part in The Rental Exchange. The Rental Exchange is a way to strengthen your credit report without you needing to take on new credit. The scheme enables us to share details about the rent you pay with Experian on a monthly basis. This is then included in your credit report, meaning you will then be recognised for paying your rent on time. We share your tenancy information with Experian, including your track record for paying your rent, unless you tell us not to.
You don’t need to do anything. We will share your tenancy information with Experian, including your track record for paying your rent, unless you tell us not to. You can request to opt out of us sharing your tenancy information with Experian by emailing preferences@nph.org.uk or calling NPH on 0300 330 7003 at any time. Please note depending upon when we receive your request to opt out, your tenancy information may already have been shared with Experian for the prior month. We understand that in some circumstances there may be rent arrears. Where this is the case we will work with you to address it. Paying your rent on time could help you to access cheaper products and services in the future.
Rental Exchange privacy notice
Not only will we be able to work with you more closely to manage your existing tenancy agreement, your track record as a tenant will enable Experian to use the information supplied to them to assist other landlords and organisations to:
- assess and manage any new tenancy agreements you may enter into;
- assess your financial standing to provide you with suitable products and services;
- manage any accounts that you may already hold, for example reviewing suitable products or adjusting your product in light of your current circumstances;
- contact you in relation to any accounts you may have and recovering debts that you may owe;
- verifying your identity, age and address, to help other organisations make decisions about the services they offer;
- help to prevent crime, fraud and money laundering;
- screen marketing offers to make sure they are appropriate to your circumstances;
- enable Experian to undertake statistical analysis, analytics and profiling; and
- enable Experian to conduct system and product testing and database processing activities, such as data loading, data matching and data linkage.
If you would like to see more information on these, and to understand how the credit reference agencies each use and share rental data as bureau data (including the legitimate interests each pursues) this information is provided here (Credit Reference Agency Information Notice (CRAIN). For a paper copy, please get in touch with us on 0300 330 7003 or with Experian directly.
