Wednesday November 4th 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Council tenants in East Lothian are being asked for their views on a proposed rent increase of up to £7.50 a week by the local authority.
East Lothian Council has written to its tenants putting forward their plans for a minimum rent rise of 6.5 per cent just a year after putting it up by seven per cent.
It is asking for their views on an average weekly increase of 6.5% which would equate to £6.09 , an increase of seven per cent which would equal £6.56 a week more or an eight per cent increase – £7.50 a week.
The council says the lowest proposal is the minimum required to maintain essential services for its housing stock while the higher levels could allow increased investment and support new homes being delivered.
The local authority says it has one of the lowest rents in Scotland and will be consulting with tenants and the East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel (ELTRP) on the proposed increase before bringing a recommendation to councillors at February’s budget meeting.
Councillor Andy Forrest, housing spokesperson, said: “The views of our tenants are important to us and the more tenants who take part in our
consultation, the more accurately they are represented.
“While we understand the financial pressures that everyone is facing, we must look at an annual rent increase for tenants due to inflation and rising costs.
“It is essential that we continue to deliver our housing service and cover the costs of repairs and maintenance, modernisation of our homes and new build
developments.”
The consultation over the rent rise is available to access on the council’s consultation hub and will be open until November 15.
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