About your rent

Your tenancy agreement tells you the exact amount of rent and any other charges that you should pay.

Rents are increased each year in line with inflation. The annual inflation increase for 2019/20 is 4.3%. We will write to you to let you know about any increase in your  rent. We send out rent increase letters each March. Rent increases will be capped at £3 per year excluding the annual inflation increase. Phasing will continue until all tenants reach the model rent.

Model Council house rent

For 2019-20, the model base rent per week is £50.63, plus: 

• An additional rent charged based on type of property:
  £12.05 for a multi, flat or maisonette
  £18.08 for a four in block
  £24.12 for a cottage or house
   
• An additional rent charge based on number of bedrooms: 
  £0 for a bedsit
  £12.05 for 1 bedroom
  £18.08 for 2 bedrooms
  £24.12 for 3 bedrooms
  £30.13 for 4 bedrooms
   
• An additional rent charge of £11.80 for garages which are within the boundary of the property. 

The table below shows the total model rent per week for each property type and number of bedrooms:

If you are experiencing financial problems you should contact your local area housing office immediately. You will be dealt with in the strictest confidence, by our friendly and helpful staff.

Where possible a mutually acceptable payment agreement to repay any balance will be discussed and arranged. Our staff can also provide benefits advice, including eligibility for Housing Benefit and access to welfare benefits such as Universal Credit. 

There are a number of other Council services and agencies which can also help you. These services and agencies will listen to your difficulties and if necessary liaise directly with the Council on your behalf to attempt to reach a solution. There is no charge for providing this service. The Council is happy to deal with these agencies.

Shelter Scotland in Aberdeen can help you if you have difficulties paying your rent, are already in rent arrears or are facing court action due to rent arrears and/or council tax arrears. The earlier you make contact the easier it will be for their specialist team to help.

Their new drop-in hours are 11am - 3pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; Friday from 9:30am - 3pm.

If you have a low income and/or receive certain benefits you may qualify for Housing Benefit. This is a scheme to help people who cannot afford to pay all, or a proportion of, their rent. It is open to anyone to apply whether they are older, disabled or in work with a low income.

Benefit is worked out by comparing your income and your family circumstances with your rent, and if you qualify for help, your rent is reduced. If you have savings you could still qualify for benefit.

Application forms are available from Council offices. Do not delay as Housing Benefit cannot normally be backdated. Further advice and assistance is available from the  page.

You can get information about other benefits from the Benefits and Money Advice Team, the Department for Work and Pensions or advice agencies. Find out how to get money and budgeting advice or find out more about benefits and support available. 

You can talk to a Housing Officer at the Council's Customer Access Points: 

• Mastrick Access Point
• Tillydrone Community Campus
• Woodside Access Point
• Marischal College Customer Service Centre

You can talk to the Benefits Advice team at:

• Mastrick Access Point
• Marischal College Customer Service Centre
• The direct line for Benefits Advice is 03000 200 292

Here are some common question and answers about rent.