Thank You for Taking Part in Our Rent Options Consultation

The rent options consultation has now ended, and we would like to thank all our tenants who participated and shared their views.

What We Asked

Each year, our housing rent options consultation gets tenant feedback on options for the next year’s rent levels.

This year, tenants were given three rent increase options:

• 5.2%
• 6.7%
• 8.2%

The consultation detailed how each option would impact the delivery of key housing improvements including:

• Bathroom and kitchen replacements
• New windows and roof replacements
• Energy efficiency measures
• Medical adaptations

We also asked for feedback on:

• Investment priorities for housing services
• Whether tenants found it more challenging to pay rent over the past 12 months
• Suggestions on how we can better provide financial advice and support
• Satisfaction with the consultation process and the information provided on rent-setting options

What You Said

We received 357 responses through our online survey – the highest response rate of any consultation the service has undertaken this year.

Rent Increase Preferences:
– 268 respondents (75%) voted for a 5.2% rent increase per year for the next three years.
– 80 respondents (22.4%) voted for a 6.7% increase.
– 9 respondents (2.5%) voted for an 8.2% increase.

Tenant Priorities:
Feedback highlighted an understanding of the need for rent increases, but tenants emphasised the importance of prioritising investments in improving existing homes and improving repairs and maintenance services.

Financial Support: 89 respondents (24.9%) reported finding it more difficult to pay their rent over the past 12 months.

Tenants commented on the need for more regular promotion of financial advice and support, suggesting that this information should be easier to access.

What Happens Next

The results of this consultation will be included in a report to be presented to a special rent setting Committee in February 2025. Councillors will use this information to make their decision on rent levels for the coming year.

The new rent rates will take effect on 31 March 2025.

Prize Winner Announcement

As a thank-you for participating, all respondents were entered into a prize draw for a £50 supermarket voucher. We are pleased to announce the winner is Margaret Dunlop from Forfar. Congratulations, Margaret!

Thank you once again for your input and for helping shape the future of our housing services.