Save Money on Your Shopping and Boost Your Rent Account

We know many households are feeling the pressure from rising living costs. That is why Sandwell Council has partnered with Housing Perks, a free app that helps council tenants save money when shopping. The savings you make can then be paid directly towards your rent account.

Housing Perks is quick to use, free to join and gives you access to savings at hundreds of well-known retailers.

What is Housing Perks?

Housing Perks is a free mobile app for Sandwell Council tenants.

The app helps you save money on your everyday shopping by giving you access to discounts of up to 20% on your everyday shopping from a wide range of retailers, including ASDA, B&M, Morrisons, Primark, Argos and many more!

When you buy a voucher through the app you can choose to have the savings automatically paid into your Sandwell Council rent account.  It’s easy to set up and you’re always in control.

You still receive the full value of the voucher to spend, while the saving helps reduce the amount you need to pay towards your rent.

How does it work?

Using Housing Perks is simple:

  1. Download the Housing Perks app from the app store.
  2. Register using your details.
  3. Switch on rent contributions in the app.
  4. Choose a retailer from the app.
  5. Buy a discounted voucher or gift card.
  6. Use the voucher online or in store as normal.
  7. The saving is automatically paid into your rent account.

Example:

If you buy a £100 shopping voucher from a retailer offering a 4% saving:

  • You receive a voucher instantly worth £100 to spend.
  • You pay £96 for the voucher.
  • £4 is automatically paid into your rent account.

The amount paid to your rent account varies depending on the retailer and offer available.

Who can use Housing Perks?

Housing Perks is available to Sandwell Council tenants and their household members.

You can use the app whether your rent account is:

  • Up to date
  • In credit
  • In arrears

How to sign up?

Download the Housing Perks app from:

Once you have downloaded the app:

  1. Open the app.
  2. Enter your details when prompted.
  3. Select ‘Sandwell Council’ from the drop-down menu.
  4. Enter your rent account number.
  5. Enable Rent Contributions.
  6. Select the retailer from the Housing Perks app when shopping and buy a voucher for the amount you need.
  7. Pay with the voucher and the saving will be automatically paid to your rent account.

Watch the Rent Contributions Video

Questions about Housing Perks

Does Housing Perks cost anything to use?

No. Housing Perks is completely free to download and use.

Where can I find my rent account number?

You can find your rent account number on your rent statement, rent arrears letters or by viewing your account through MyAccounts. If you still need help finding your rent account number, contact us on 0121 569 7477.

How are rent contributions made?

Once you have downloaded the app and signed up to Housing Perks follow the steps below to have your savings automatically paid to your rent account:

  1. Tap the ‘Rent’ icon in the menu at the bottom of your screen. 
  2. Then tap ‘Rent Contributions’.
  3. Make sure it is set to ‘On’.
  4. Once it is set to ‘On’, your savings will automatically be paid to your rent account.  This will happen every Friday. 

How long does it take for contributions to appear on my rent account?

Rent contributions usually appear on your rent account within one week and will show with the reference HP.

Can I use Housing Perks if I do not have rent arrears?

Yes, all Sandwell Council tenants can use Housing Perks. Rent Contributions will still be paid directly to your rent account.

Can more than one household member sign up for the app?

Yes, any number of household members can sign up for the app and receive vouchers for the same address.

Are all retailers the same?

No. Different retailers offer different savings rates, so the amount paid to your rent account will vary depending on where you shop.

Can I use the vouchers online and in store?

Most vouchers can be used online, in store, or both. Check the retailer information within the app before purchasing.

What if I’ve brought a £20 voucher and I spend £18; do I lose £2?

No. When you purchase a voucher, you can use it as many times as you like until it is empty.

Can Housing Perks be used towards everyday spending?

Yes, as well as paying rent, the Housing Perks app can be used to save money on everyday spending. Remember to switch off rent contributions if you want to receive the savings direct.

What happens if I change address or tenancy?

You should update your details within the app and contact Housing Perks if you need support linking your account to your tenancy.

What if I need help using the app?

Housing Perks provides customer support through the app. You can also contact Sandwell Council’s Income Management Team on 0121 569 7477.  They are available 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on a Friday.

If you have any questions or issues with the app, please contact the Housing Perks support team at support@yourhousingperks.com – they are available seven days a week, 9am to 5pm.

Start saving today. Download the Housing Perks app, link your Sandwell Council rent account, and turn your everyday shopping into contributions towards your rent. Every shop could help you reduce your housing costs and support your financial wellbeing.

View all the Housing Perks FAQs

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