Council rent

When to pay your rent, how to pay, help available if you're struggling to manage your payments

Contents

When to pay rent

At a full meeting of East Lothian Council on 24 February 2026, councillors approved a 7% rent increase for council tenants for financial year 2026/27. 

Council rent is charged fortnightly and is payable in advance by the first Monday of each rent period. Any payment not made on time will be treated as arrears.

You will receive a rent statement at least once a year, however if you would like a statement at any time, you can contact the Rent Advice team and they will be happy to send you one.

Payment Dates in 2026/27

6 Apr 20 Apr 4 May 18 May 1 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jun* 13 Jul 27 Jul
10 Aug 24 Aug 7 Sep 21 Sep 5 Oct 19 Oct 2 Nov 16 Nov 30 Nov
14 Dec 28 Dec* 11 Jan 25 Jan 8 Feb 22 Feb 8 Mar 22 Mar  

Rent Payment Break

*If you have an up-to-date rent account, you're entitled to a rent payment break:

  • fortnight beginning 29 June 2026 
  • fortnight beginning 28 December 2026

If you have rent arrears, you will not qualify for these payment breaks and you must continue to pay towards your rent arrears during these periods. 

Contact Rent Advice

Rent Advice Team

Email

Contact us
https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/rent-advice
Email
rentadvice@eastlothian.gov.uk

Phone

Phone
01620 827528