Rents won’t rise in April and will stay the same for a year.

RSHA said this week that it “absolutely recognised the struggle of many of its tenants in a year where many lives were turned upside down.”

The organisation’s board said it was keen to do its bit to relieve the financial pressure which so many people have endured as a result of the health emergency.

Announcing the decision, the Association’s chair, Mark Griffiths, said: “We understand the financial pressures which many tenants are facing. We have considered our financial position very carefully and the Association’s Board of Management has agreed to freeze rent levels for 2021-2022.

“We have been able to do this because our financial position is strong which is the result of a very prudent approach in budget setting and rent increases in previous years.”

RSHA said it was aware that a number of its tenants worked in the service sector and hospitality industry – both of which had been particularly badly hit by lockdown and other restrictions.

Around 35% of its tenants – not already receiving financial help with housing costs – have indicated they were “facing difficulties” paying their rent as a result of COVID.

Mr Giffiths added: “We want to support our tenants and avoid the people we serve from getting into debt at what remains a hugely-difficult time.”

RSHA has 628 homes across 18 communities in rural Stirlingshire.

Other social landlords to freeze rents for the upcoming year include Abertay Housing Association, Cernach Housing Association, Drumchapel Housing Co-operative , Parkhead Housing Association and Fyne Homes.