Tenants asked to put their rent first this winter

Council housing tenants in Perth and Kinross are being urged to put ‘Rent 1st’ this winter.

Perth and Kinross Council’s housing services is encouraging tenants to keep their rent payments up-to-date in the approach to Christmas and New Year to make sure that they don’t get into arrears.

A ‘Rent 1st’ advertising campaign on local radio has kicked off the event and there will be an accompanying ‘Rent 1st’ poster and social media drive over the next few months.

The campaign sends out a strong message to tenants about the importance of paying their rent.

In the run-up to Christmas household budgets come under greater pressure and the council wants to help tenants avoid getting into debt and rent arrears.

It also stresses that if people are struggling to pay their rent they should contact the council as soon as possible to avoid falling into arrears.

The council can offer a range of support for tenants who are facing financial difficulties.

By engaging with tenants early housing staff can work with them to prevent debt arising.

Cllr Peter Barrett, housing and communities convener, said: “It’s important that tenants keep their rent accounts up-to-date all through the year, but as we approach Christmas there is, of course, pressure to spend money on other things.

“It’s an expensive time of year and people may be tempted to skip a rent payment, thinking they can catch up.

“The reality is that rent arrears can escalate quickly and are often very difficult to pay off.

“As soon as a tenant gets into arrears we contact them to prevent debt getting out of control. “Early intervention is vital. “All tenants in arrears are required to clear the debt as soon as possible or enter into a repayment arrangement.

“We will do all that we can to