If you're having problems paying your council rent
If you're struggling to pay your rent, please phone us on 0300 300 0222.
We can provide you with advice and support about benefits and other help which may be available.
We can also discuss a manageable payment plan with you. We need to speak to each other so that we can help you. Debt will not go away on its own, and we can talk with you about how to start repaying even a small amount.
We can give you advice about:
- repayment arrangements
- housing benefit or universal credit
- money and bills
- debt management.
Find more information about paying off rent debt (Citizens Advice Bureau website).
Other ways to get help
We may refer you to other agencies who can provide specialist benefits and money advice and support.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is a fund that can offer short-term financial assistance to tenants who get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, who are having difficulty paying their rent. Find out more about Discretionary Housing Payment.
Tenant Support Fund
You may also be able to get help through our Tenant Support Fund. You can phone us on 0300 300 0222 to discuss this.
Crisis Grant
You may be able to get money from our Crisis Grant. This fund is for unexpected expenses due to an emergency or disaster and is for people on certain benefits.
Budgeting and managing your money
Get started by trying to make a list of all the money you've got coming in and all the money going out of your household. You can use this budget sheet from Citizens Advice.
We also have a debt advice leaflet that provides useful information on:
- how to deal with your debt
- the 6 stages of managing debt
- a budget sheet.
If you need help in to fill in a budget sheet, you can phone us on 0300 300 0222.
Direct debits and standing orders
If you find yourself missing rent payments, it may be helpful to set up a regular payment of your rent and service charges. You can set up regular payments in 2 different ways: by direct debit or by standing order.
Learn more about the difference between a standing order and a direct debit (Royal Bank of Scotland website).