A couple of questions about rent increase

red_devil

Werdnal wrote: »

OP, did you want some advice on whether this rent increase is fair or legal, or did you just come here to rant about your LL and your perceived understanding of her property empire and financial standing? You have been asked several questions above, the answers to which might help people advise on your options, but you still persist in slagging off the LL and not answering the points raised!

LLs reserve the right to increase rent every year - some do, some don't, but it is an option available to them, provided they follow the specified rules for imposing the increase. LL does not need to give you reasons or justify it.

If you are not happy paying the rent for the property which you feel is not worth the increase, and you obviously have a chip on your shoulder about your LL and their presumed "wealth" then why don't you move?

LLs have no obligation to upgrade heating system etc, so long as the existing one is in full working order. Similarly, DG is not a "given", provided existing windows are secure and intact.

You have a right to refuse, you have a right to negotiate - but remember your LL has a right to issue you notice!

I did reply I said it was B. Upgrade heating system they never put one in ever only a gas fire.

Why shouldnt I rant about it btw. When does the rent go down? Yes i think they should justify why they want more money all the time when they dont do anything.

00ec25

red_devil wrote: »

Why shouldnt I rant about it btw. Yes i think they should justify why they want more money all the time when they dont do anything.

you "expect" to get a (cost of living) payrise every year don''t you, and rant if you don't. But, what extra productivity/work do you do to deserve that pay rise? Answer - none - you get a pay rise without doing extra work

same principle, a LL faces rising bills just like you do and wants to maintain (or improve) their own standard of living.

The difference is a LL can't increase the rent without following a set process, you have said you are under an AST - are you stioll in a fixed period or are you now on a periodic tenancy - that determines the process the LL must follow

dotchas

red_devil wrote: »

Why shouldnt I rant about it btw. When does the rent go down? Yes i think they should justify why they want more money all the time when they dont do anything.

The LL does "do something" she provides you with a roof over your head,in a house that she has paid for with her own money. She is totally justified in charging "the going rate" to make her money work for her.
If however the rise is such that you are paying a lot more than you would with a similar property,then by all means fight it. But as others point out you may get a s21

If you are not happy living without CH and DG then maybe look to move?

Lovelyjoolz

Try asking Tesco why the price of bread has gone up and see what answer you get.

I really can't understand why you have stayed so long in the property if you dislike it and the LL so much. Is it because the rent hasn't gone up since pre-1997? If so, brace yourself for a hefty increase.

If you can find somewhere equivalent, then move. Moaning won't get you far, just to the kerb when you are evicted. And look on the bright side - you might find a nice place with central heating.

red_devil

00ec25 wrote: »

you "expect" to get a (cost of living) payrise every year don''t you, and rant if you don't. But, what extra productivity/work do you do to deserve that pay rise? Answer - none - you get a pay rise without doing extra work

Do you, you dont get pay rises in line with the rent and everything else costing more?

The difference is a LL can't increase the rent without following a set process, you have said you are under an AST - are you stioll in a fixed period or are you now on a periodic tenancy - that determines the process the LL must follow

I am on a periodic tenancy.

00ec25

red_devil wrote: »

I am on a periodic tenancy.

OK - so the LL can't just ask for more money they have to follow due process... a rent increase under a periodic has be served via a section 13 notice - is that what you have been given? If not, ignore it.

see here for details
http://www.tenancyagreementservice.co.uk/rent-increases.htm

Tight_as_a_Drum

In the last 12 months I've had letters from over 50% of the companies that provide my utilities/housing/phone/internet services etc. stating the price would be going up (I would be receiving exactly the same service as last year yet the price is going up), very annoying but I have no choice but to take it on the chin as do most other people, unfortunately the LL could double the rent if she so wished.

red_devil

Tight_as_a_Drum wrote: »

In the last 12 months I've had letters from over 50% of the companies that provide my utilities/housing/phone/internet services etc. stating the price would be going up (I would be receiving exactly the same service as last year yet the price is going up), very annoying but I have no choice but to take it on the chin as do most other people, unfortunately the LL could double the rent if she so wished.

You have alot of choice. Perhaps if we didnt take things on the chin all the time people wouldnt be so greedy.

red_devil

00ec25 wrote: »

OK - so the LL can't just ask for more money they have to follow due process... a rent increase under a periodic has be served via a section 13 notice - is that what you have been given? If not, ignore it.

see here for details
http://www.tenancyagreementservice.co.uk/rent-increases.htm

Thanks i am going to look into what ive been given havent got it to hand at the moment.

Tight_as_a_Drum

red_devil wrote: »

You have alot of choice. Perhaps if we didnt take things on the chin all the time people wouldnt be so greedy.

That's that sorted then - MOVE