private tenant with letting agency

sha11

Hi,

Can anyone help with my question?

Can my landlord increase our rent by a significant 300 from 1300 to 1600, we have been at the property for nearly 2 years (june 2009)

they asked for an increase of 100 6 months ago and i said we couldn't afford it. now they are asking for 300 in one go!!!

do we have any rights against this huge increase?

thanks in advance.

BitterAndTwisted

How much research have you done to find similar properties for rent in your neighbourhood and compared them to what they want to increase it to? Rents have risen in the last two years but probably not by that sort of percentage. Do you think the property was particularly under-priced when you took on the tenancy?

dancingfairy

Depends on what sort of contract you have and whether you are still covered on are by now ona rolling tenancy. If you've within a contract for 6 months or 12 months or whatever then you're covered I think. If not then presumably if you don't agree to the rent increase they'll just give you the 2 months notice and find some other mug who will pay it - flats go for whatever some idiot is prepared to pay around here
df

DannyboyMidlands

You're ok untill the end of your contract but after that you should move out. Either your landlord is being very short-sighted or they are trying it on. Tell them to shove it. Good tennats are like gold dust in this ecomomic climate and if you go, they are guaranteed to lose £1300 if the property is empty for a month at changeover

BitterAndTwisted

One way to ensure that the property doesn't have new tenants ready to move in would be to refuse access for viewings. I'd keep that ace up my sleeve for later once sensible negotiations have been exhausted....