Perth & Kinross aid for emergency rent problems

Citizens of Perth and Kinross that find themselves unable to pay rent on time have access to expert advice and resources to correct the situation. These programmes can help financially distressed tenants avoid eviction and retain a satisfactory rental history.

Perth & Kinross Council

Tenants who are living in council housing are encouraged to contact Council directly to obtain advice. Assistance should be requested before arrears begin to pile up, since severely late rent can be more difficult to remedy.

Council officials prefer to spend resources to help a tenant in need rather than to seek an eviction. Still, some tenants find themselves forced to move after possession of the property is pursued by Council.

Council has established Area Housing Teams that have the ability to step into a situation where a tenant cannot pay the rent. These teams provide face-to-face advice that can make the difference between accessing necessary assistance or becoming homeless. To get help, residents may call 01738 475000 for the main office in Perth, or they may call their closest Area Housing Team.

• The Auchterarder Office advises tenants living in Aberuthven, Almondbank, Auchterarder, Blackford, Braco, Dunning, Methven and Chapelhill. Residents may call 01764 657840.
• The Blairgowrie Office serves those who live in Alyth, Balbeggie, Bankfoot, Blairgowrie, Burrelton, Caputh, Carsie, Collace, Coupar Angus, Forneth, Guildtown, Kirkmichael, Kinrossie, Luncarty, Meigle, Meikleour, Murthly, New Alyth, Rattray, Saucher, Spittalfield, Stanley and Wolfhill communities. Enquiries may be made at 01250 871300.
• Crieff team advisers can advise tenants living in the Almondbank, Chapelhill, Comrie, Crieff, Gilmerton, Madderty, Methven, Muthill and Pitcairngreen communities. Residents may call 01764 657840.
• The Kinross team aids tenants in Aberargie, Abernethy, Blairingone, Bridge of Earn, Cleish, Crook of Devon, Forgandenny, Glenfarg, Kinnesswood, Kinross, Milnathort, Powmill and Scotlandwell. Telephone is 01577 867333.
• Only council housing tenants of Letham, Hillyland, Double Dykes and Fairfield may seek aid through the Letham Area Office. Appointments may be requested by calling 01738 625898.
• The City Central team in Perth provides advice to tenants living in the communities of Balhousie Street, Bridgend, City Centre, Craigie, Dunkeld Road, Errol, Florence Place, Friarton, Glencarse, Inchture, Invergowrie, Leetown, Longforgan, Moncreiffe, Muirton, North Muirton, Rae Place, Scone and Stanley Crescent. Call 01738 476110 to set up an appointment.
• The Pitlochry Office serves the villages of Aberfeldy, Acharn, Ballinluig, Birnam, Blair Atholl, Dull, Dunkeld, Fearnan, Glenlyon, Grandtully, Kenmore, Killiecrankie, Kinloch Rannoch, Pitlochry and Weem. Telephone is 01796 474625.

if a resident is currently seeking a home to live in, then they can seek help as well from the Private Sector Access Team. This government agency will help the family find and pay the deposit on private sector accommodations. They also provide other support, ranging from advice to counselling and more. The Perth and Kinross Bond Guarantee Scheme is used by the authorities to help vulnerable families.

Rent emergencies can also be addressed after hours through the freephone hotline at Greyfriars House. Emergency calls may be answered around the clock at 0800 917 0708. Greyfriars House can accommodate those who are suddenly homeless by providing immediate housing. This can be on-site or at a bed and breakfast if the facility is full.

Teams are trained to evaluate the causes of financial distress and to develop an action plan. Whether a tenant is falling behind on rent or anticipates falling into arrears, advisers can develop solutions to resolve the problem. This can include bringing in outside options, such as helping with an application for a grant from a charity. Grants from the Bertha Fund are just one example.

Being unable to pay rent is nothing to be embarrassed about. It happens to a substantial portion of the population at one time or another. By requesting help, an eviction and resulting homelessness can be avoided.