Early intervention encouraged for rent arrears during cost of living crisis

Housing and Property Committee met today (Thursday 9 November 2023) and discussed the impact that the ‘cost of living’ crisis and other global factors has had on tenants experiencing rent arrears.

Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair said: “The Highland Council Housing Service works closely with our Welfare Support Team to ensure early intervention and inform tenants of rent arrears as soon as they arise.

“Due to the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, and other global factors, many tenants are finding themselves in rent arrears for the very first time and require early intervention to guide them through the process and to provide appropriate welfare support to each individual.”

Cllr Glynis Sinclair added: “Local Housing Officers carry out a crucial role and ongoing training to ensure they can assist tenants with up to date information and can refer people to existing and new grant funding, direct tenants to agencies available that can help ensure they can access support to which they are entitled and can assist with debt and personal budgeting issues.

“We encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulty and/or rent arrears to get in touch with your Local Housing Officer and/or Welfare Support to ensure that all entitled financial support and energy saving measures are in place.”

All Highland Council tenants sign a Scottish Secure Tenancy lease at the start of their tenancy which places a legal duty on them to pay their rent. However, many tenants are experiencing difficulties in paying rent or accessing welfare benefits and are falling into rent arrears.

The Rent Arrears Management Policy updated in November 2022, considers all tenants in arrears as vulnerable and in need of support. The Council’s policy also states that legal action is a last resort.

If you or anyone you know are struggling to keep up with Council tenant rent payments, please contact your Local Housing Officer or contact the Welfare Support Team via the Council website.

Anyone worrying about the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, should know that support is available. Help and advice across Highland can be found in the ‘worrying about money’ leaflet available form the Council’s website or download the app here.