Council tenants in Kilburn may have paid their rent into other resident’s accounts after payment cards bearing the wrong barcode were sent out by bungling contractors.

Around 10,000 of the swipe cards printed by Intercard were sent out to Camden Council tenants last month.

However, incorrect digits on the new cards meant payments could go into the wrong account.

The cost of the error, which may run into tens of thousands of pounds, will be picked up by the private company.

Tenants were sent letters telling them not to use the cards but a resident in Kilburn, who wishes to remain anonymous, said her home has been left uninsured until she receives a new one.

She added: “I was planning on using the new card to pay my premium so what do I do?

“I think it is very confusing for people who have gone to pay their rent using the new cards. Where has their money gone?

“How can the council keep track of individual payment made using these cards if there is a fault with them; how are they going to know if money has been put into their accounts?”

A spokesman for the council said any tenants who used the card to make a payment will have the money re-credited to their account.

He added: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience and are working hard to contact our customers that do not pay by direct debit to explain the situation including publishing information on our website about payment options.

“Anyone who is concerned about getting into rent arrears because of this should contact us for reassurance.”

To contact Camden Council call 0207 974 4444.