How to Obtain Check Books from a Bank for Renting: A Step-by-Step Guide
getting a check book from a bank is a straightforward process if you need them for rent payments. While banks generally offer a few free starter checks when opening an account, additional check books can be purchased or printed privately. This guide will help you obtain check books, understand the costs involved, and the reasons why banks don't provide them for free.
Understanding the Basics of Check Books and Rent Payments
In the UK, as you mentioned using "cheque" instead of "check," you can open a checking account that provides cheque books. However, it's worth noting that such accounts are rare today. Most banks do not offer free cheque books indefinitely. Instead, you will need to pay to have checks printed, either through your current bank or through a commercial printer.
Where and How to Get Check Books
You can get check books from any bank where you have a checking account. Banks usually charge a nominal fee for printing checks, which is a common cost of doing business and may be tax-deductible. The cost for your first order typically ranges from $25 to $40. After you receive your initial set of checks, you can order more through a commercial printer, which usually offers much lower costs.
Understanding Rent Payment Processes
Rent is usually paid by standing order directly from your bank account to the landlord's or agent's account. This method ensures that the rent is paid on time and in full. If you don't set up a standing order or permit a direct debit, you have the option to pay rent electronically from your bank account to the landlord/agent on or before the rent due date.
Landlords and agents generally prefer not to accept cheques for rent payments. Cheques can be countermanded by the drawer, making them a less dependable form of payment. This is why you are advised to use other methods such as standing orders or direct debits to ensure timely rent payments.
What About 12 Check Books?
I understand that you are inquiring about the practicality of having 12 cheque books. While it's true that 12 cheque books could theoretically cover rent payments for 12 to 15 years, depending on the number of check leaves in each book, you do not need this many cheque books. A single cheque book with at least 12 checks should be sufficient for most renting needs.
Banking regulations typically limit the number of cheque books that can be issued to a single account. This is to prevent fraud and ensure accountability. Furthermore, because cheques are less commonly used in modern financial transactions, banks may not prioritize providing multiple cheque books.
Conclusion
To obtain check books, you will need to work with your current bank or a commercial printer. While banks may not offer free cheque books, the inconvenience of such a large quantity of cheque books is not necessary for most rent payment scenarios. Instead, a single cheque book with several checks is sufficient and cost-effective.
For more detailed information, consult your bank’s policies on check books or contact a local commercial printer. Understanding the costs and requirements will help you make the most out of your financial arrangements for rent payments.