Mandatory Billing

Mandatory Billing: Understanding Your Utility Account

Category: Mandatory Billing
Audience: Residents at Homebox mandatory-billing sites

How does Mandatory Billing work?

If you live in a building where utilities are managed through Homebox, you must have a Homebox account to pay for the utilities covered by your building's billing arrangements.

Homebox generates monthly bills so you can see your utility consumption and account balance. The utilities covered by your account depend on the building where you live.

How are my utility payments calculated?

For the first three months, all residents at mandatory-billing sites are charged an estimated amount for their utility consumption.

After the first three months, Homebox reviews your payments against how much energy or water you have actually used. This review takes place every three months.

Your Direct Debit may change following the review:

• If you have built up a credit: The credit will be used towards your utility costs and your Direct Debit will be lowered.
• If you have used more utilities than estimated: Your Direct Debit will be increased to reflect your consumption.

This helps keep your payments aligned with your actual utility usage.

Do I need to submit meter readings?

This depends on your building. Some buildings have smart meters that send readings automatically, while others require you to submit readings through the Homebox resident app.

If your building requires meter readings and you do not submit them, your bills will be based on estimates that may not reflect your actual consumption.

How do I pay my utility bills?

Residents at mandatory-billing sites must pay through Direct Debit.

What happens when I move out?

The process depends on your building. At the sites covered by our Mandatory Billing guidance, building management will notify Homebox when your tenancy ends, so you do not normally need to notify Homebox separately.

Some buildings require you to submit final meter readings before your account closes. Your final bill is normally produced within 48 hours of the account closing, according to the process for your site.

Any credit or outstanding balance is handled according to your building's arrangements. Check your building-specific article for details.