It’s important, for those who find themselves in a position to pay their rent, to keep doing so. We need this money to provide vital housing services - all normal methods of payment will stay in place at present and Direct Debits will be taken as normal.
We will help you if you are suffering financial hardship as a result of the Covid-19 crisis:
- We have suspended any eviction actions for rent arrears
- If you’re unable to meet your rent payments as the result of the Covid-19 crisis or need advice about a new or existing Universal Credit claim, you can contact the council using the Universal Credit - Enquiry Form or phone 03451 55 11 55 and you will be redirected to a Housing Management Officer
- Our Revenues Officers, who deal with rent enquiries, are still contacting households we identify as having missed a payment to offer support and advice
Reminder for anyone who receives Universal Credit and rents their home
Your rent will have gone up from 1st April. To make sure you’re getting the money you’re entitled to, it’s important for you to let the Department for Work and Pensions - DWP know about this increase. You can do this by logging into your Universal Credit account online. Alternatively, if you can’t access your account online, please call your local job centre:
Cupar - 01334 413702
Cowdenbeath - 01383 315433
Dunfermline - 01383 813814
Glenrothes - 01592 664879
Kirkcaldy - 01592 253236
Leven - 01333 593521
St Andrews - 01334 413702
Your rent is due every two weeks and must be paid in advance. The rent you pay helps us to deliver vital services.
Paying your rent is straightforward and there are many payment options available to you:
- By cash at any paypoint facility
- Over the telephone
- 03451 55 00 55 (24 hr auto number)
- 03451 55 11 55 (8am to 6pm to speak to a Customer Service Advisor)
- By direct debit
- By standing order
or
Rent arrears
We know that rent payments can be missed. Sometimes, this is through no fault of your own. If you have fallen behind with your rent, please get in touch with us. We can offer free, confidential advice and help you to arrange to pay back your debt in instalments. It’s far better to sort these arrears early, before they become a bigger problem.
It may be that you can claim housing benefit or Universal Credit to help with these payments. Claiming benefits can be difficult and we’re here to help.
We can also provide information and advice to customers with multiple debts owed to us.
If you continue to ignore your arrears, you will receive a formal ‘Notice of Proceedings’. This is hand-delivered by Sheriff Officers. This is the start of legal action and can result in us ending your tenancy. This notice goes to everyone in your home over the age of 15 years and 6 months. They don’t have to be joint tenants.
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, please contact us on 03451 55 00 44. We are open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. We will discuss the situation and explain all the options available to you. Our money advice pages may also be able to help.