Rent

Check your rent balance and make a payment at any time using our rent balance tool.  First, you’ll need to sign up to myaccount and match it to your housing account. 

We will tell you how much your gross rent is, but this may be reduced if you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.  Your rent is due each Monday for the week ahead, or you can pay in advance for a specific period, for example a month or six weeks. If your rent is up-to-date, you may be entitled to a number of rent free weeks during the year.  You can see our information on 2023-24 free weeks on our Rent Record Card by clicking here.  

Full roll out of Universal Credit started in Moray from 27 June 2018. Our leaflet on Universal Credit gives more information on what full service means and advice on making a claim. We also have a leaflet on claiming Universal Credit for the first time to help you pay your rent. 

Paying your rent

Your rent is due each Monday for the week ahead.  You can pay your rent using one of the following methods:

• by credit or debit card using our safe online payment system.  When you make your payment you must quote your payment reference (the one with the dashes) e.g. 01-123-45-67.
• by credit or debit card using our 24 hour automated payment line on 0300 123 2678.  Calls to this number will be charged at local rates, plus your call providers access charge.
• at the Post Office or any PayPoint outlet, using your council house rent barcoded payment card - please keep all receipts.
• by authorising a monthly Direct Debit.   You will need to print, fill in this form and send it back to us.  If you need a paper copy, please let us know.  To make sure that your Direct Debit payment is processed on time, please return the form to us at least 10 working days’ before we are due to take the money from your account.  Any changes to your rent will be made automatically.  We will let you know beforehand.
• by authorising a Standing Order which can be paid monthly or weekly.  You will need to print and fill in this form and send it to your bank / building society.  If you need a paper copy, please let us know.  To make sure that your Standing Order payment is processed on time, please send it to your bank / building society at least 10 working days’ before your bank is due to pay us.  Remember, it is your responsibility to tell your bank / building society if your rent changes, as they won’t know to automatically update it.
• by bank transfer / faster payment to Moray Council using the sort code 80-06-66 and bank account number 00111513.  When you make your payment you must quote your payment reference (the one with the dashes) e.g. 01-123-45-67.
• by housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit – if you receive this, it may pay some or all of your rent. You must pay any outstanding rent that is not covered.

How we set council house rents

Currently our rents are amongst the lowest rents for local authorities in Scotland. From 1 April 2024 the way set our rent is changing. You can read more in our Rent Setting Policy and in our Rent Setting Policy leaflet. The values that we give each attribute set out in our policy is detailed here.

We have also developed a Rent Calculator. This will work out your rent for 2024 – 2025 and includes the agreed rent increase of 7.7%. All you need to do is enter your current rent and your new rent (you can find these in the Notice we sent you earlier this month). The Rent Calculator will use these and will show you how we work out your rent for 2024 – 2025. The Rent Calculator opens as an Excel file, if you don't have Excel or need support with this contact your Area Housing Officer. Call 0300 123 4566 or email housing@moray.gov.uk