Rent increase - is it legal?

saraharrow

Thank you all for your comments. Part of me wouldnt be bothered if the property was in good nick and he was reasonable. But he is not, the property leaves a lot to be desired. Even to get 'quiet enjoyment of the property' is impossible. I think is obvious what I have to do. <P>
Thanks once again <P>
Sarah

speedtwin

As a letting agent just remember good tenants are like gold dust if you have paid your rent on time the landlord will want you to stay. If the rent go up and it will (everything goes up) speak to the agent and try to hit some middle ground. sometimes it will work. Check your tenancy agreement (AST)generally the rent cant be put up during contract period unless the AST states so. I dont beleive it can be back dated either A lot of professional landlords will let you decorated if you ask, it will save them money but get colour schemes agreed in writing first. Also do a good job nothing worst than poor decorating (sugest you do 1 small room first then get L/L or agent to give once over to check standard. L/L may give reduction on next months rent. ASKIf you are on housing benifit check with council when is the best time of year for a rent increase and have a friendy chat with LL/agent and tell them. My council only do it once a year (differant times for differant tenants) if L/L misses the date say by a month any increase will have to be met by the tenant until date comes round again.If anyone has any questions on letting please ask I will try and help if i dont know will try and find out.

CYBERCIDERSAVER

surely the most important thing for a landlord is to have a tenant long term. MAybe LLs would be advised to write to their tenants. Thank them for keeping the property in a nice condition and saying that they WON'T put the rent up that year. Then after 4 years sending a letter saying that the rent is going up wouldn't be such a shock.

olly300

CYBERCIDERSAVER wrote: »

surely the most important thing for a landlord is to have a tenant long term.

Not all landlords are business savy. I've worked with people who brought "a" rental property as an investment like stocks and shares. They couldn't work out why they had no tenants for months and tenants they did have left when they increased the rent at every opportunity.

CYBERCIDERSAVER wrote: »

MAybe LLs would be advised to write to their tenants. Thank them for keeping the property in a nice condition and saying that they WON'T put the rent up that year. Then after 4 years sending a letter saying that the rent is going up wouldn't be such a shock.

I use to live next door to someone whose LL lived aboard. They hadn't had a rent increase in 10 years. The landlord came back to the UK and it was mutually agreed that the rent was taking the p!ss so there rent was raised. It was still under market rate.

I've also had a LL who explained that there was no point in raising the rent if he got tenants who always paid, keep the place clean and didn't cause a nuisance. Again he keep the rent slightly under the going market rate. Threatening to raise the rent to market rate was one of his many ways of getting rid of tenants legally.

irnbru_2

saraharrow wrote: »

My rent is currently £740 per month and he wants £800 from september. My landlord has done absolutely no work on the property in the entire 4 years that I have lived here, and I feel a bit aggrieved by this.

You have purchased a service from the LL.
The cost of that service is rising.
The value of that service is reducing.

Move!

You're sure to find some soon-to-be-millionaire-BTL LL who has a vacant 'executive apartment' wanting help with the interest payments.

saraharrow

He might read this thread, so I cant post my intentions, but I have taken on board all of the comments! <P>
Thanks everyone <P>

Sarah