A CHESHIRE housing trust is reminding customers that they will be making changes to the way they manage rent payments for new customers from next month.

As part of their commitment to being a good landlord, Weaver Vale Housing Trust are making the changes from March to help new customers budget and manage their money more effectively so they avoid getting into arrears and debt in the future.

Currently customers sign their tenancy agreement, receive their keys and then make a rent payment but from next month, they will need to make their first rent payment when signing their tenancy agreement and only then will they receive the keys to their property.

New customers receiving housing benefit or setting up a direct debit payment must also take along the correct forms.

New customers will also be required to attend an appointment to see an Early Tenancy Money Advisor from the Trust and a full affordability assessment will be carried out.

“The trust is keen to help new customers as much as possible so that they make their rent payments on time and do not get into arrears and debt in the future,” said Sarah Saward, income manager for the trust.

“We will ask customers to attend a workshop where they will receive further support and advice as we know the stress and worry that being in arrears with your rent can cause.

“We feel it is important that our new customers receive as much support as possible from the start and understand the importance of paying their rent.”

Further information is available on the website at wvht.co.uk including an information leaflet for new customers and a budgeting sheet.