My landlord wants to put the rent up but....

theartfullodger

Happened to my son & his 2 house-mates.. He wrote calm, sober, polite emails (after similar 'phones calls) to agent for landlord. They asked if LL would be flexible (easy, gentle question) - answer "Maybe".. They then made the case that they were good tenants (no complaints, no damage, rent always paid of time, ) and they were willing to sign a new 12-month - as long as no rent increase. We were all very surprised when LL/agent said yes!! (If LL had said no they would have made another offer..)

Of course LL can get you out, for no reason, on 2 months notice with a Section 21 notice..

This is like playing Poker, sorry!

Artful

shakeit_2

theartfullodger wrote: »

Happened to my son & his 2 house-mates.. He wrote calm, sober, polite emails (after similar 'phones calls) to agent for landlord. They asked if LL would be flexible (easy, gentle question) - answer "Maybe".. They then made the case that they were good tenants (no complaints, no damage, rent always paid of time, ) and they were willing to sign a new 12-month - as long as no rent increase. We were all very surprised when LL/agent said yes!! (If LL had said no they would have made another offer..)

Of course LL can get you out, for no reason, on 2 months notice with a Section 21 notice..

This is like playing Poker, sorry!


Artful

Might be worth a try! Thanks.

shakeit_2

So i finally got my new contract today - the increase is what i thought but thyeve dated it from 01/10/10. Hello, its the 15 th of October now!
Do i have any legal standing to say im not paying the extra £70 for oct now seeing as my rent went out on the 1st?
Also im going to have to sign the contract for the next 6 months as ive got no where else to live but quite worried im going to be so skint as its such a lot of money.
I also need them to buy me a new mattress as im currently sleeping on the floor as the old one they bought me is kaput and causing me pain.
Does anyone know how much they can legally increase the rent by or is there no limit?

Thanks.

Leory

there is no limit on what they can charge, just depends on if someone will pay it, and in this case you will.

from 02/10/10 you have been on a SPA. They are trying to start a new AST but cannot backdate it as im aware.

shakeit_2

Leory wrote: »

there is no limit on what they can charge, just depends on if someone will pay it, and in this case you will.

from 02/10/10 you have been on a SPA. They are trying to start a new AST but cannot backdate it as im aware.

What does SPA and AST stand for?

so even though my current contract ran out on 01/10/10 they cannot charge me for the days up to today on the new rate?

tbs624

shakeit wrote: »

What does SPA and AST stand for?

Sorry - SPA = statutory perioidc agreement, AST= assured shorthold tenancy


see: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2666553

tbs624

shakeit wrote: »

..so even though my current contract ran out on 01/10/10 they cannot charge me for the days up to today on the new rate?

If you haven't signed a new contract /agreed a new higher rent then no but talk to someone at Shelter 0808 800 4444 or your local private sector tenancy relations officer at the local Council for clarification.

Ignite

Nope, they can't backdate. It's tough if they've left it this late. As you have already paid for this month, they can't go back and ask for more. Why not call them and have a chat. Offer them £35 extra a month and start negotiating. It's worth a try.

Procrastinator333

I bet they have been charging you a contract fee every 6 months as well.

Unless you want the 6 month guarantee, the contract offers nothing that isn't already protected by statute.

If I were you I would have a look at your local area, what are properties similar advertised for, is a rent increase really appropriate?

Combine that info with how much hassle it would be for you to move.

Then just dig your heels in. Don't sign that contract. Say no. They then only have 2 choices. Either a) leave it be. or b) serve you your 2 months notice from your rent day. And during that notice period you will pay the old rent.

If you have been a low hassle, well paying tenant I think they will fold and leave you alone.

If they serve the notice and you do want to stay anyway, then just go crawling back and agree to it.

Just remember you don't need a contract, it offers nothing for either party apart from the initial fixed 6 month term and it makes the lettign agent a piece in fees.

debrag

shakeit wrote: »

So i finally got my new contract today - the increase is what i thought but thyeve dated it from 01/10/10. Hello, its the 15 th of October now!
Do i have any legal standing to say im not paying the extra £70 for oct now seeing as my rent went out on the 1st?
Also im going to have to sign the contract for the next 6 months as ive got no where else to live but quite worried im going to be so skint as its such a lot of money.
I also need them to buy me a new mattress as im currently sleeping on the floor as the old one they bought me is kaput and causing me pain.
Does anyone know how much they can legally increase the rent by or is there no limit?

Thanks.

Why are they buying this?