Your Rent Matters

Date: 
Friday, 2 February, 2018

rent arrears image
East Dunbartonshire Council has launched a new campaign to tackle rent arrears head on.

The Your Rent Matters campaign carries the warning that tenants who refuse to face up to their rent arrears could be at risk of losing their homes.

The campaign will be rolled out over the coming weeks and will include posters, web, social media and local newspaper adverts while tenants in arrears will also receive information with their arrears letters.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets, said, "Ensuring that your rent account is paid up to date is the most important part of your tenancy agreement.

"Any payment not made on time is treated as rent arrears and The Your Rent Matters campaign is being run to make people aware of the consequences if don't pay your rent."

If a tenant fails to keep their rent account up to date and arrears are increasing then the Council can, and do, take legal action to seek to recover the lost rent and even the property. Ultimately if rent isn't paid and arrears continue to increase tenants can be evicted.

Over the past year, the Council has evicted a total of 15 tenants from their home for rent arrears.

Mr Glen added, "Obviously evicting people is a very last resort for the Council and every effort will be made to keep them in their homes.

"We understand that people can find themselves in rent arrears for all sorts of reasons and that it can be hard facing up to your problems.

"However, if you are failing to pay your rent, for whatever reason, don't be afraid to ask for help as you don't have to deal with this alone. Housing officers can provide advice and support and will work with you to look at realistic and affordable payment options.

"We can also put you in touch with the Citizens Advice Bureau who will help you claim any benefits to which you may be entitled and help you plan your finances."

Tenants struggling to pay their rent should call 0300 123 4510 to speak with their local Housing Officer (Rents Team) who can provide confidential advice, assistance and practical support.

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