best time to get in touch with landlord?

red_devil

I have received a letter this week to say landlord wishes rent to rise on 15th Dec. I want to ask them if they will hang on for a few months and that I will be able to pay in April 2013.

What is the best time to write should I write now or wait a few weeks?

Fire_Fox

What sort of letter, a section 13 notice? If so you cannot ignore that for a few weeks it is a legal document.

red_devil

Fire_Fox wrote: »

What sort of letter, a section 13 notice? If so you cannot ignore that for a few weeks it is a legal document.

no it was just a letter that the rent was to rise?

Fire_Fox

If the landlord has not served proper notice he cannot enforce a rent increase, if you start paying you will be deemed to have accepted tho. Have you double checked your tenancy agreement to ensure there is nothing in there and this is not simply a reminder?
http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/386455/Factsheet_Rent_increases_ASTs.pdf

red_devil

Fire_Fox wrote: »

If the landlord has not served proper notice he cannot enforce a rent increase, if you start paying you will be deemed to have accepted tho. Have you double checked your tenancy agreement to ensure there is nothing in there and this is not simply a reminder?
http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/386455/Factsheet_Rent_increases_ASTs.pdf

he's allowed to send it its a proper notice, i just wondered when should i reply now or nearee the 15th dec?

G_M

Fire_Fox wrote: »

If the landlord has not served proper notice he cannot enforce a rent increase, ....http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/386455/Factsheet_Rent_increases_ASTs.pdf

Sorry Fire Fox - not necessarily true. A letter might be 'proper notice'.

Since we do not know the details of the OP's tenancy it is impossible to say.

OP, read this post here to check whether the rent can or can't be raised, and if it can, when and how.

Only then can you decide whether to ignore the letter, discuss with the LL, or respond formally in writing.

red_devil

G_M wrote: »

Sorry Fire Fox - not necessarily true. A letter might be 'proper notice'.

Since we do not know the details of the OP's tenancy it is impossible to say.

OP, read this post here to check whether the rent can or can't be raised, and if it can, when and how.

Only then can you decide whether to ignore the letter, discuss with the LL, or respond formally in writing.

yes the letter sent is ok.

I was just wondering shall i write now and say i cant afford it till april or wait till nearer the 15th December which is when the rent is due to rise?

G_M

If the rent rise is permitted under the contract, and the notification of it complies, then any postponement or reduction in the level of increase is down to discussion and negotiation.

In that case, the best approach is
a) don't delay
b) ideally face to face rather than by letter (certainly not by text!) - do you have an inspection due shortly?
c) be honest (ie about your circumstances)
d) be willing to compromise

Fire_Fox

G_M wrote: »

Sorry Fire Fox - not necessarily true. A letter might be 'proper notice'.

Since we do not know the details of the OP's tenancy it is impossible to say.

OP, read this post here to check whether the rent can or can't be raised, and if it can, when and how.

Only then can you decide whether to ignore the letter, discuss with the LL, or respond formally in writing.

You edited out a key part of my post!

Fire_Fox wrote: »

If the landlord has not served proper notice he cannot enforce a rent increase, if you start paying you will be deemed to have accepted tho. Have you double checked your tenancy agreement to ensure there is nothing in there and this is not simply a reminder?
http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/386455/Factsheet_Rent_increases_ASTs.pdf

red_devil

thanks and just another quick one who is responsible for treating mice in the house ie buying traps and food is it the ll or the tenant?

tbs624

OP - you have not said whether your tenancy is within its Fixed Term or confirmed whether there is a rent increase mechanism in the tenancy agreement?

On the mice issue, if (1) the mice were there at the start of the tenancy and/or (2) the property has maintenance issues that would make it easier for mice to enter the property then the LL should foot the bill for (1) and should deal with the repairs and pay some of the bill under (2).

As a T you have an obligation to keep the property clear of food debris, to store rubbish etc properly and notify the LL promptly of any repairs issues issues - if the mice appear mid tenancy the pest control bill will usually be yours to deal with. A couple of traps and some peanut butter are not a huge expense.