Wellhouse Housing Association (WHA) is urging tenants who have missed payments to come forward and seek help. 

The call comes after the association revealed that the level of rent arrears increased by almost 9% according to their 2019/20 report. 

The association has stressed that no tenants have been evicted during this time, the Evening Times reports. 

Darron Brown, chairman of WHA, said: “While 84% of our tenants believe the rent for their property represents good value for money, too many are sadly failing or struggling to make these monthly payments.

“Life can be difficult for a number of our tenants who find themselves in an endless cycle of reducing their rent arrears, breaking payment arrangements and then facing the prospect of legal action as the debt increases once more. Often the tenants simply stop talking to us and hope that will make the problem disappear which we won’t be the case.

“We would urge all tenants to work with us no matter how daunting the prospect must be when they are faced with losing their home. Some even wait until a sheriff has granted an eviction decree before they seek help.”

He added: “We had one case recently, where a family were close to losing their home after many years of broken arrangements and increasing debt. Just days before the arranged eviction, a family member finally contacted Shelter Scotland for advice – the results were amazing.

“Shelter were able to contact other charitable organisations who provided funds to clear the outstanding debt.

“In addition, they assisted the family to plan for future rent payments and secured support from care services company, Loretto Care to teach them positive patterns of behaviour that adheres to their tenancy obligations. Our officers are ready to help now with financial advice, making affordable payment arrangements and assisting tenants to apply for benefits.”