Highland councillors yesterday rubber-stamped a 3% rent increase for residential rents and service charges.
The increase will result in a rise in the average weekly council house rent from £75.38 to £77.74 (£2.26).
Highland rents remain eighth lowest of the 26 councils which retain housing.
The rent levels for 2020/21 will generate sufficient income to fund expenditure relating to housing management, repairs and loan charges.
A significant part of the increase in repairs and maintenance (£1.780m) is an additional £1m to comply with new standards for domestic fire detection arising from changes introduced by the Scottish Government as part of the national response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Direct staff cost increases and bad debt provision based on continuing trends in rent arrears are all linked to the decision to increase rents.
Housing and property committee chairman councillor Ben Thompson, said: “This small rise in rents will help to support an improving housing service for tenants.”
“The council continues to identify annual efficiency savings aimed at reducing management and maintenance costs without compromising best value for tenants.”
Highland Council’s tenant participation team has also been working with interested tenants who say they would like more say in all aspects of their tenancy.
This gives tenants the opportunity to put forward their priorities for improvements to the areas they live in and make sure investment is targeted at community priorities.