Rent increase backdated

mess0804

I just got a letter from the agency saying that my contract expired in august, that I have to sign for another 6 months and that the rent increases from the 7 of august!!!!
The direct debit has gone through in august and september with the same amount as before, so how can they charge me for a rent increase from august ???

also I know that after the fixed contract has expired I am on a monthly rolling contract.

Can they take the money backdated without my aproval?

F_T_Buyer

No, they cannot.

They can however give you notice of a rise for a months time (I think it's a month).

Doozergirl

They cannot backdate a rent rise. And you don't have to sign a new contract. They do have to give you advance notice of any rent increase; it has to be at least one full rent month in advance, so if you rent is due on the 7th then they can't increase the rent until the 7th of November.

I cannot get over these people.

Is it a direct debit or a standing order? If it's a direct debit and they take more than agreed then you can claim it back through the bank (Direct Debit Guarantee). If it's a standing order then I don't think they can adjust the amount anyway.

mess0804

It's direct debit.

I can not understant how stupid they think people are. They were sleeping for 2 months... and they just sent the letter wilth all the dates saying august ... and expect us not to raise any questions.
They have said something over the phone that the rent may increase, I asked if they can speak with the landlord as they were no improvements and no reason for the increase in the economy now, they haven't got back to me ... and now they sent a letter yeasterday that they want more money from august !!!

FATBALLZ

I'd just ignore them, then when they question why you haven't paid the higher rent in october just say they haven't followed the correct process, then they won't be able to increase it til december...

GillsMan7

And if you don't want to sign up for another 6 months, don't feel you have to, as you are fine on the statutory periodic tenancy (though they can give you two months notice to leave at any time during the tenancy).

tbs624

The LA/LL has to serve you a S13 notice ( as in s13 Housing Act 1988) giving you a month's notice of the increase and as the others have said, it can't apply retrospectively.

If you don't agree with the proposed rent increase you can challenge it via a Rent Assessment Committee ( contact your local Council) but this has to be set in motion before such a rent increase would be due to apply (more evidence for you that the LA can't backdate it)

Imp

I once had this.

I wrote back something along the lines of

No increase in rent is due as you have not followed the statutory procedures.

Kind regards,

Imp

diable

Looks like the LL had asked the LA to increase the rent once the 6 months was up and they forgot lolz