Hertfordshire County Council has transferred around 200 homes to Watford Community Housing. The transfer took effect on Monday 16 September 2024 and we are now responsible for maintaining these homes and providing services to the customers living in them.
The homes that have been transferred were previously managed by Peabody, whose contract has come to an end. We have worked closely with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure that the transfer runs smoothly for residents.
What this means for residents
Hertfordshire County Council wrote to tenants to let them know about the change. We also wrote directly to all the customers whose homes were transferred to provide all the information they need.
If your home has been transferred, you should now pay your rent to us and you should contact us with any issues about your home.
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, if you have a query about the transfer, you can contact Hertfordshire County Council directly, using the information in the letter they sent you.
Frequently asked questions
For more information on the transfer, check out our FAQs below.
Does this affect where I live or the support I receive?
No – you will stay in your current home. If you receive extra help, you will continue to have the same support staff providing these services.
Why has this transfer happened?
Peabody came to the end of its contract with Hertfordshire County Council. We were chosen as one of the preferred local providers for the new contract, to manage and provide services to the homes that Peabody used to manage in South-West Hertfordshire.
B3Living, another Hertfordshire-based housing association, are taking on the management of the homes that Peabody used to manage in North-East Hertfordshire.
Watford Community Housing is a registered provider of social housing with charitable objectives. We are committed to delivering good-quality services and enhancing our local communities, and we already have a presence in your area.
B3Living, another Hertfordshire-based housing association, are taking on the management of the homes that Peabody used to manage in North-East Hertfordshire.
Watford Community Housing is a registered provider of social housing with charitable objectives. We are committed to delivering good-quality services and enhancing our local communities, and we already have a presence in your area.
What is Watford Community Housing offering for Hertfordshire County Council customers?
Hertfordshire County Council customers whose homes are managed by Watford Community Housing have access to our full range of services, which include:
You can find out more about our services by reading our service standards.
- A dedicated Customer Service team to help with repair requests and any other queries
- A 24/7 out-of-hours service for emergencies
- The ability to request repairs, raise queries and more through your online account at www.wcht.org.uk
- A wide-ranging repairs, maintenance and home improvement service, including energy efficiency improvements for poorly performing homes below EPC C level
- Access to support from our dedicated Tenancy Sustainment team, who can offer guidance on money management, benefits and Universal Credit, and make referrals to other support agencies and local food banks
- Access to community funding for local projects and groups – find out more here: www.wcht.org.uk/community/
- Community events and clean-up days
You can find out more about our services by reading our service standards.
Has my tenancy agreement changed?
There have been no changes to your current terms and conditions – we have just taken over the management of your services. You won’t get a new tenancy agreement.
Do I need to change how I make my rent payments?
As of 16 September 2024, you should now be making payments to Watford Community Housing instead of Peabody.
There are lots of different ways to pay rent to us. Your Housing Officer will be able to work with you to help you get set up.
Direct debit is the safest and easiest way to pay your rent. If you previously paid by direct debit, we have arranged for your direct debit information to be transferred to us, so you don’t have to do anything. Your payments will continue to be taken as usual.
To set up a direct debit, please contact us on 0800 218 2247 or speak to your Housing Officer.
If you want to pay by bank transfer, these are our details:
Payment to: Watford Community Housing Trust
Account No: 33164985 Sort code: 20-00-00
Reference: Your tenancy number, which is on the letter we have sent you.
If you currently use a rent card, we will arrange for a new one to be sent to you. If you don’t currently use a rent card but would like one, please contact us to request a card.
You can use your rent card to make payments:
• over the phone
• at the Post Office or other PayPoint locations
• by text message
• through the allpay website or phone app
For more information on ways to pay your rent, go to www.wcht.org.uk/pay
There are lots of different ways to pay rent to us. Your Housing Officer will be able to work with you to help you get set up.
Direct debit is the safest and easiest way to pay your rent. If you previously paid by direct debit, we have arranged for your direct debit information to be transferred to us, so you don’t have to do anything. Your payments will continue to be taken as usual.
To set up a direct debit, please contact us on 0800 218 2247 or speak to your Housing Officer.
If you want to pay by bank transfer, these are our details:
Payment to: Watford Community Housing Trust
Account No: 33164985 Sort code: 20-00-00
Reference: Your tenancy number, which is on the letter we have sent you.
If you currently use a rent card, we will arrange for a new one to be sent to you. If you don’t currently use a rent card but would like one, please contact us to request a card.
You can use your rent card to make payments:
• over the phone
• at the Post Office or other PayPoint locations
• by text message
• through the allpay website or phone app
For more information on ways to pay your rent, go to www.wcht.org.uk/pay
What will happen if I struggle to make rent payments?
We are here to help. We can work with you to provide support and guidance if you are struggling to pay your rent, so please get in touch.
For more information, see: Money advice and help
For more information, see: Money advice and help
What do I have to do if I need a repair?
We will pick up any outstanding repairs that Peabody has been unable to complete. If you need to request a repair, you can contact our Customer Service team, or request a repair through our website.
For more information on our repairs service and how to request repairs, see here: www.wcht.org.uk/repairs
For more information on our repairs service and how to request repairs, see here: www.wcht.org.uk/repairs
What do I do if I need to report anti-social behaviour?
We will provide support with any concerns around anti-social or unreasonable behaviour. We expect our customers to behave respectfully and we are committed to resolving issues quickly and fairly.
You can find out more about our services here: Anti-social behaviour
You can find out more about our services here: Anti-social behaviour
Can I still speak to someone in person?
Our Customer Service team are your first point of contact and they will always try to deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible.
You also have a dedicated Housing Officer, who can visit you at home and provide support with more complicated enquiries.
You also have a dedicated Housing Officer, who can visit you at home and provide support with more complicated enquiries.