Rent increase notification

MiniSis

Hi wondering if u can help/advise.

I moved into a flat in feb 2010, the LL decided to sell the flat and offered me another bigger flat in the block which I took up. He very kindly kept the rent the same and it's been that way for nearly 2 years. Today I receive a letter notifying me that "from next month" my rent is increasing by £105 per month. My tenancy has been on a rolling contract since the initial 6 month lease ran out.

I'm just wondering that as I pay my rent in tw first of each month is his two weeks notice satisfactory? It is quite a big rise (although understandable)

He's not a bad landlord but not a very good one either!!

BitterAndTwisted

No, he needs to serve you with a Section 13 Notice or you sign a new fixed-term agreement at the new rent. You have to balance the likelihood of receiving a Section 21 Notice if you decide not to pay the new rent.

Got any compelling evidence that the new rent is more than other similar properties in your neighbourhood?

Hump

You can decline his increase. If he insists on attempting to increase the rent he will need to serve you with a s13 notice (Housing Act 1988) - which gives you the right to refer the increase to a rent assessment tribunal see http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/complaints_and_legal_action/tribunals/rent_asssessment_committeees

MiniSis

Oh right this is all new to me, so he's not acting properly? I'm in the middle of buying a house so not overly bothered about the increase as it won't be for long and I don't want to annoy him before I leave.

Si do I tell him he needs to complete a section 13 whatever it was then? Not sure what to do to be honest. I'm just concerned he's given me 2 weeks notice, I'd have thougt at least a month...

G_M

Two weeks is pretty unfair. If you agree, then you'll be bound by that agreement, but you don't have to!

If your original (6 month) tenancy agreement had a clause spelling out when and by how much the rent can be increased, then that's what must be followed.

If not, then as others have said... S21 Notice with a full months warning.

More info here.

MiniSis

I'll have to dig out my original tenancy from 2.5 years ago as that's now run out. I do just think its a bit unfair. I've text him to clarify if he means 1st may or 1st June, so I'll see what he comes back with.

I'm more put off by the notice time not the actual increase!