Wellhouse Housing Association(WHA) has published its annual landlord report with a call for tenants who have missed rent payments to come forward and seek help immediately.

The 2019/20 report makes clear that while no Wellhouse tenants have been evicted during this period, there are concerns about rent arrears levels rising to almost 9%.

The Association said it acknowledges the Scottish Government’s extension of emergency legislation to ban evictions until March 2021 and the management committee took the decision in 2019 to rule out the introduction of services charges following a consultation with residents.

It is hoped the move will help ease financial pressures throughout the pandemic and contribute to the area remaining a vibrant community where people feel safe and happy.

Darron Brown, WHA chair, said that there are examples of the association being able to prevent arranged evictions that are days away, but residents struggling to make rent payments must contact the association now for help.

Mr Brown 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 clearly know 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.”