Back dated rent review

sherbertshirley

I should have had a rent review in April, I have only just had contact from my landlord who wants to increase my rent by 20% in just 3 years and back date it to April, Can they do this? In my contract it states if I disputed it and the landlord won then I would have to pay it, but he is late in reviewing it. I will be disputing the increase price anyway as it is ridiculous. Any help???

theartfullodger

He can't do it unless you agree:

There are procedures for these things: I or someone else will post these later...

20% in 3 years is greedy, not least as he is almost certainly paying much less on his mortgage if he has one.

However if you refuse he may give you notice to quit.. (sorry, 'tis reality..)

Good luck! Cheers!

Lodger

poppysarah

Backdating isn't on.
His loss not yours.
Ring shelter to find out the rules on rent increases.

He sounds like he's broke and desperate. Could you move (Or threaten to move - but only if you intend to go through with it of course)?
If he is on the edge of losing the house then perhaps moving is the better idea?

sherbertshirley

Thanks for the replies, glad others think the same way. Think I might speak to LL first, seeing as it's not just me that thinks its greedy. Thank you

theartfullodger

This is the procedure he should follow...
http://www.letlink.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/variation-of-terms-of-tenancy/rent-increase.html

By the way there is nothing to stop you proposing (or him agreeing to...) a rent reduction. Write him a letter suggesting, say, 5% reduction from next month??

Cheers!

Lodger

theartfullodger

& this...
http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/blog/legal-briefing/section-13-notices
which talks about "Rent Assessment Committee" and how they assess "fair market rent" (assuming you are in England & Wales"...

Cheers!

Lodger