New agency taking over rental property

fabbman

Hi all,

I live in a privately rented house, and recently been informed that the owner has given the current agent the push, do I have any rights with regard to the new agent wishing to increase the rent? I heard there was a notice period of a year or so?

Cheers in advance.

[Deleted User]

Check the details in the terms and conditions of the lease that you signed when you moved in-details will be in there.

G_M

The new agent cannot increase the rent. Only the landlord can. The agent works for the landlord.

Whether or not the landlord can increase the rent is quite separate from whether he uses the same or a new agent. So the fact that the agent has changed is irrelevant.

Are you in a fixed term contract? If so, the rent cannot be increased.
Has the fixed term ended? If so you have a periodic contract. The rent can be increased unless something in the original tenancy agreement limits the period for increases. See details here. If you refuse to accept the new rent, the landlord cannot force you to pay it. You have to agree to it before it becomes binding. But he could give you notice to end the tenancy. Only you can decide:

a) whether he would do this (it will cost him money to get a new tenant) and
b) whether you are willing to leave rather than pay the higher rent

theartfullodger

GM is right...

You might want to write a calm, sober letter to both Landlord & new agent stating you've received the letter and listing any issues (or stating there are none) that you had advised to the old agent.

I'd want to check where the deposit is protected (it is protected and you've been given the info about it??) just-in-case, although the LL still has responsibility even if old agent has deposit.

Your contract is with Landlord: Agent is just that, Landlord's agent...

Cheers!


Lodger