The number of Dundonians in rent arrears has more than doubled in the past year.
A new council report has revealed that the number of tenants who owe more than £250 in rent has increased by 152.39%.
In 2013, 6.70% of tenants had arrears of more than £250, but this year the figure already stands at 16.91%.
The report by the city council’s chief executive, David Dorward, is to go before city councillors on Monday and he cites the so-called bedroom tax as the primary cause.
He said: “The increase in arrears greater than £250 is due to the under-occupancy reform.”
Mr Dorward claimed that rent recovery staff were continuing to work with tenants to seek solutions.
“The department continues to engage with all tenants impacted by the under occupancy reforms, so that support and assistance is provided at an early stage,” said Mr Dorward.
“Scottish Government funding for 2014/15 has been made available, which will allow those who apply for a discretionary housing payment to be granted it covering the reduction.”
The figures show the number of tenants giving up their homes as a result of their arrears has also grown. Last year, 48.3% of tenants gave up their homes and this year, so far, the figure is 51.01%.
“The increase in tenancies that are terminated with arrears is consistent with the increase in overall arrears due to the welfare reform,” said Mr Dorward.
Under the UK Government’s welfare reforms, social tenants deemed to have more bedrooms than they need have had their housing benefit reduced since April last year.
Dozens of groups have emerged in Dundee to protest the reforms.