Crazy Rent Increase!

crazy_guy

When choosing a new flat to live in for the next academic year - price is obviously a big issue.

I found a flat and the landlord represenative stated that the price would be 103 odd quid a week for 2 people. We put down a reservation fee of £126 and paid the installment for the car parking space on the belief we would be charged the 103 quid.

I recieved the contract today and the cost per week is £132 a increase of £31 quid Per week!!

What can i do?

robhammond

If you have prior signed the contract (and he has sent you a copy)....

Ok, firstly contractural law states quite clearly that a landlord cannot change the conditions of a tenancy contract without prior notifying & the consent of the tenant (referred to as a notice of intent). They have to then give you 14 days (I think from memory) to respond and in that time you can put in a counter notice stating what you think is a fair rental price. If negotiations fail the local council can adjudicate through an analysis of local market housing rental prices.

I suspect that you haven't previously signed......

Depending on the terms & conditions of your bond, if you now decide not to sign then you will most likely lose your deposit.

The point of a deposit is so that the landlord will hold the property for an agreed period whilst you sign the contract so do not feel rushed into signing - he cannot offer it to anyone else until you either sign or reject the contract.

Also, every landlord will tell you that there is a shortage of quality student accomodation no matter where you are in the country. This is an absolute LIE!! I was in contact nationally with other Advice Centre managers in other Unions over three years, and not once did anyone have a problem finding accomodation.

Look at it this way, if he is increasing the charges so substantially it may be best to cut your losses and find somewhere else. There are some fantastic websites called https://www.accomodationforstudents.com [with some student reviews of landlords in your area] or https://www.studentpad.co.uk [where every landlord is vetted by the students unions prior to advertisement.]

The absolute best advice is to go to the Student's Union advice centre. They provide a free of charge contract vetting facility (by a trained legal specialist usually). They will give you case specific advice & contact the landlord on your behalf if you wish.

The main point is DO NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT until your are 100% happy with the term's & conditions - once you do you are legally obliged to pay the rent.

see http://www.studentpad.co.uk/Advice.asp if you want a little more generic advice.