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 2025-26 free weeks on our Rent Record Card by clicking here.

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.
• If you need help with paying your rent, you can find more information on our webpage help to pay your rent and council tax

How we set our council house rents

The Rent Setting Policy.was implemented on 1 April 2024. It aims to make sure our rent structure is fair and consistent and that houses of the same size and type, with the same amenities, are charged the same rent.

To set rents, we use a baseline amount, plus a points base scheme which reflects the attributes (property characteristics and amenities) of your home. These attributes are given points which are then converted into a money value.  This combined total is the rent for your home. The attributes we use to set rent and the values we give them are detailed here.  For ease, these have been adjusted to include the rent increases agreed with tenants.

Tenants before 1 April 2024
The Rent Setting Policy.is being phased over a period of time to minimise the impact on tenants.  

New tenants from 1 April 2024
If you are a new tenant, your rent will be the full amount set by the Rent Setting Policy.  If we offer you a tenancy, we will tell you how much your rent will be in the offer letter.  

When we might increase your rent
• Following a consultation with tenants, we have agreed a rent increase of 6% each year from 2025 until 2028.  This means that your rent will increase each April by 6% in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
• If the attributes of your property change, for example, following an improvement to your home, such as a heating upgrade which improves the Energy Performance Certificate rating, your rent will change.  If you do not consent to improvement work being carried out, any discount you get will be removed.  

We will give you at least 28 days’ written notice of any increase in rent.  This notice will explain how we work out your rent and any changes that will be applied.

More information
You can read more in our Rent Setting Policy and in our  Rent Setting Policy leaflet..

If you need any help to work out your rent, or need more information, please contact your Area Housing Officer.