Aberdeen Tenants & Residents Partnership

Dear Tenant,

 

We are writing to you as we would like to know what you think about some changes to how we charge rent and a possible rent increase. Writing to you about increasing your rent is difficult this year given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis we are all facing. It's really important we hear your views to allow us to understand how the proposals may impact you.

 

We're looking at a new rent policy for just one year, and we'll look at it again in 2025 to see if it should be a longer plan.

 

Why are we proposing an increase in rent?

 

As a landlord, our costs have also gone up, so we need to plan our spending more carefully. The rent you pay goes into the Housing Revenue Account, which is used only for housing services like repairs, improvements, and building new homes.

 

With next year's housing budget in mind, it's time to review rent charges again.

 

What are the options?

 

This year we're asking about 3 options:

1. Changing the rent structure to increase the rent for homes with 2 or more bedrooms.

2. Increasing the rent in new build homes by 15% from 1st April 2025.

3. Increasing your rent by up to 10%.

 

If we decide to change the rent structure and increase rent for new build homes as suggested, we might not need to raise rents by as much as 10%. So, it's important for you to share your thoughts. We might use a mix of these options after hearing from you.

 

How much would my rent go up?

 

To see current Aberdeen City Council rents, and the proposed rent increases visit Aberdeen City Council's webpage at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/housing/2024-rent-consultation.

 

Option 1: Change the rent structure to increase the rent for homes with 2 or more bedrooms.

 

Option 2: Increase the rent for new build homes by 15% starting from 1st April 2025.

 

This option won't affect tenants already living in new build homes; it will only apply to tenancies in future phases of new builds from 1st April 2025.

 

Option 3: To increase your rent by up to 10%.

 

Financial Concerns

 

We know money can be tight for some tenants just now and we encourage everyone to ask for help if they need it. If you are having trouble paying your rent, we are happy to talk to you about a repayment plan to pay back any rent arrears that you may have.

Our Housing and Support Officers are here to help you and will discuss your concerns confidentially and sensitively and make sure you get any help and support that you need - telephone 03000 200 292. You can also see our webpage which has information on help with the cost of living - www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/help-cost-living.

 

We also know that not all tenants claim the full amount of benefits they are entitled to. There are many organisations who can help with this, including our Financial Inclusion Team. The Financial Inclusion Team offer free and confidential advice on benefits and money advice. You can reach the Financial Inclusion Team through the online form at 'Get Benefits and Money Advice' here at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/getmoneyadvice or by telephone on 03000 200 292.

 

How can I have my say?

 

We know that the decisions we make about your rent and how we spend the money we collect are extremely important, particularly during uncertain times. Therefore, all tenants are being invited to have their say and influence the decisions we make.

 

You can do this online by visiting www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/housing/2024-rent-consultation.

 

The consultation will be open until Sunday 3rd November 2024.

 

Engagement Events and Digital Support

 

We will be hosting the following drop-in events.

 

* Catherine Street Community Centre, Catherine Street, AB25 1EU, Monday 21st October, 10am - 2pm

* Mastrick Community Centre, Greenfern Road, AB16 6JR, Wednesday 23rd October, 10am - 2pm.

* Tillydrone Community Campus, Hayton Road, AB24 ZUY, Thursday 24th October, 10am - 1pm

* Greyhope Hub, Tullos Circle, Torry, AB11 8HD, Tuesday 29th October, 10am - 2pm

 

At these events you will be able to talk to a member of the Housing Service who can help you to complete the survey online if you can't do it yourself, or if you have no family or friends to help you.

 

You can ask for help from your Housing & Support Officer at your regular drop in events held in your area, or by phoning 03000 200 292.

 

You can also ask at the Central and local libraries for help with completing the consultation.

 

What happens next?

 

The results of the consultation will form part of a committee report which will be presented to Councillors for their decision on 11th December 2024. The new rent will start from 1st April 2025.

 

We really appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey as it is important we get your views.