Ways to pay your Council rent

The services the Council provides are funded by the rent you pay. It is important that you pay in full and on time. Your rent is due every other Monday. The payment is due to be paid in advance.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How much rent do I pay?

The amount is based on such factors as the type and size of the property you live in. It covers the cost of providing you with your home and services including repairs and maintenance. If you live in a high rise flat your rent will also cover the cost of looking after common areas and facilities. You may also have a service charge eg for heating, stair cleaning and support services. These can be paid at the same time as your rent.

How do I pay my rent and how often?

Your rent must be paid by a Monday every two weeks. Your payment is due in advance. You can pay at different intervals eg weekly or monthly but the amount must always be paid in advance.

There are various ways you can pay. (See Paying your rent). Your total rent for the year is divided into 24 periods so you usually have 2 periods in the year when you don't have to make payments. These are shown in your rent payment book.
You may be able to claim benefits which will help with your rent and Council Tax.

How do I keep track of my payments?

If you make a payment in person we will give you a receipt. Keep these safe and always check that the amount entered is correct.

If you pay through your bank you should check your bank statement when you receive it to be sure it is correct.

Your payments will be recorded on our computer each time you pay.

We will send you a rent statement every 3 months but you can ask for another statement at any time.

PAYING YOUR COUNCIL RENT, SERVICE CHARGE OR OTHER PAYMENTS

You can choose one of the following ways to pay:

• At the payment point in your Local Neighbourhood Office. (See Contacting us). You can pay with cash or by cheque. You should take your rent payment book with you. If you forget it you can still pay and we will give you a receipt. See Cheques.
• By phone. If you have a debit card (eg Switch, Delta or Solo) you can pay any Council bills by phoning the rent payment free phone number 24 hours a day. (See Contacting us). You need to give your rent account number when you call.
• Internet. You can pay your rent on-line at www.edinburgh.gov.uk then click on "make a payment".
• Through your bank. If you have a bank or building society account this is the most convenient way to pay. You can set up a direct debit or standing order which is paid direct to the Council once a month. Ask at your Local Neighbourhood Office for the necessary form to complete.
  Alternatively, if you have internet or telephone banking services you can get them to transfer your rent when you instruct them. You need to quote the Council's Sort Code 03-06-08 and account Number 00740589.
• Payment from the Housing Benefit Office. If you claim Housing Benefit it will be paid direct to us. If your Housing Benefit does not cover the full amount of rent, you still need to pay us the difference and any other payments that you may have eg heating.

CHEQUES

Cheques or postal orders should be crossed and made payable to The City of Edinburgh Council if paying directly to the Council, or The Post Office Counters Ltd if you are paying at a post office. Write your name, address and rent account number on the back.

CONTACTING US

City Centre Team
1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1ZJ
Telephone: 0131 529 7061
sfc.centralneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk

North Team
8 West Pilton Gardens, Edinburgh EH4 4DP
Telephone: 0131 529 5050
sfc.northneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk

South Team
40 Captain's Road, Edinburgh EH17 8HN
Telephone: 0131 529 5151
sfc.southneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk

East Team
86 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh EH16 4DT
Telephone: 0131 529 3111
sfc.eastneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk

South West Team
10 Westside Plaza, Edinburgh EH14 2ST
Telephone: 0131 527 3800
sfc.southwestneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk

West Team
Chesser House, 500 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 3YJ
Telephone: 0131 529 7440
sfc.westneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk