We would like to know what you think about some changes to how we charge rent and a possible rent increase.
We’re looking at a new rent plan for just one year, and we’ll look at it again in 2025 to see if it should be a longer plan. It’s really important we hear your views to allow us to understand how the proposals may affect you.
Please take part in our Rent Consultation below, which will be open until 3 November 2024. You can also read the Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
As we determine next year's housing budget, it's time to review rent charges again.
What are the options?
This year we’re asking about 3 options:
Changing the rent structure to increase the rent for homes with 2 or more bedrooms.
Increasing the rent for new tenancies in new build homes by 15% from 1st April 2025.
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.
You can see current Aberdeen City Council rents and a proposed rent increase based on what other Scottish cities charge below under 'How much would my rent go up?'. There's no plan to change the rent for studios or 1-bedroom homes.
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 view our dedicated webpage on help with cost of 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” via our website or telephone 03000 200 292.
Engagement Events and Digital Support
We will be hosting the following drop-in events:
- Catherine Street Community Centre, Catherine Street - Monday 21st October 10am-2pm
- Mastrick Community Centre, Greenfern Road - Wednesday 23rd October 10am-2pm
- Tillydrone Community Campus, Hayton Road - Thursday 24th October 10am-1pm
- Greyhope Hub, Tullos Circle, Torry - Tuesday 29th October 10am-2pm
- North East Scotland College, Room G25, City Campus - Wednesday 30th 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 friends or family to help you.
You can also ask for help from your Housing and Support Officer at your regular drop-in events held in your area, or by phoning 0300 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.