HOUSING association tenants are being primed ahead of potential rent rises in the new year.

Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) had released a briefing paper outlining the challenges faced by associations.

It hopes the study will help tenants, councillors and MSPs be more tolerant of rising rents.

GWSF chairwoman Helen Moore said: “The rollout of Universal Credit is gaining momentum, adding pressure to the income of tenants and housing associations alike.

"And this is coming on top of a number of growing operational pressures, such as how to repair and improve mixed tenure blocks where owners can’t pay their share, and filling the gap as council environmental services decline.

"We hope our briefing paper and other information about rents will help broaden understanding of a tricky issue among MSPs, councillors, other stakeholders and tenants.

“The impact of Universal Credit may be the most obvious preoccupation but there are many others, such as the demands of fire safety, energy efficiency, investing in older stock, addressing homelessness and dealing with the decline of public services.”

The "Pressure on rents: the challenges facing community based housing associations" briefing paper has been produced in advance of the 2019 rent review process, which is beginning now for most member associations.

The briefing paper is available on the forum's website: www.gwsf.org.uk

Under the Universal Credit payment system, tenants who get help with their rent will now receive the money direct from the Department for Work and Pensions, instead of it being paid directly to their housing association.

Many housing associations have experienced a sharp rise in rent arrears as Universal Credit is rolled out across Glasgow and elsewhere, which puts pressure on the rents charged for other homes.

GWSF has also issued members with information about rents to help them explain the process and pressures to tenants.

Ms Moore said: “Keeping rents as affordable as possible to people on low incomes has always been hugely important for community based housing associations.

"Our rents compare very favourably with other associations but we must never get complacent about this."