Why flexible payment solutions are key to tackling arrears 

With the cost-of-living crisis deepening and government welfare cuts putting pressure on vulnerable households, social landlords are bracing for a sharp rise in rent arrears. According to recent analysis by Inside Housing, even a small shortfall in rent payments could add hundreds of millions in lost income across the sector. In this climate, housing associations need more than just empathy, they need tools that deliver results. 

At allpay, we’ve spent over three decades helping organisations improve their income collection strategies through secure, flexible, and accessible digital payment solutions. We understand the complexity of managing arrears and the importance of making the payment process as simple and stress-free as possible, for both tenants and staff. 

Our wide range of payment channels is designed to support tenants where they are, whether that’s online, on the phone, face to face at a Post Office, Payzone or PayPoint outlet, or via our newly improved mobile app. We believe offering choice is essential. When tenants have easy, trusted ways to pay, and those options are clearly communicated, engagement improves, arrears reduce, and income becomes more predictable. 

But it’s not just about offering more channels. It’s about integrating payment into the journey of tenant engagement, making it intuitive, timely, and as frictionless as possible. 

One of the most effective examples of this in action is our Pay by Link solution. By sending tenants a pre-filled payment link via text, or email, we reduce the need for time-consuming phone calls, remove the barriers to self-service, and create a quicker path to resolution. 

And when paired with a powerful engagement platform the benefits are amplified. Utilising partnerships within the sector can help housing associations automate key parts of the collections process, enabling them to engage more residents with fewer resources, intervene earlier in the arrears cycle, and focus their teams on higher-value conversations. 

This kind of innovation is already delivering results. Since 2022, Walsall Housing Group has used our Pay by Link tool, integrated with Voicescape, to collect over £760,000 through automated outreach, improving both operational efficiency and the resident experience. 

Ultimately, tackling arrears in today’s environment requires a combination of smart technology, thoughtful communication, and flexible payments. At allpay, we’re proud to support the social housing sector with solutions that do just that, helping organisations secure the income they rely on, while empowering tenants with greater control and convenience. 

If your organisation is looking to streamline arrears management and deliver better outcomes for your communities, our team is here to help. Let’s talk about how allpay can support your journey. 

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