Rent increase on rental - when to come into effect?

Fluff15

Hi all,

I started living in a rental property on 5th September 2012. Signed an initial 6mo contract, then 12mo, then another 12mo.

Roll around 5th of this month, it was due again. However, the LA wanted to do our 6 monthly house inspection first. All fine, I was present during the check on Tuesday 18th, and the LA said the LL wants to put up the rent from £695 to £765.

I have not had a rental increase during my time at this property. I understand to get a property like mine in the area, you would be looking at around the same figures, so I have no dispute over fair rent. 10% is a lot, but I cannot afford to move, and I couldn't find the same sort of place for cheaper in my area now so I've got to suck it up.

However, because I still haven't signed my next 12mo, when can the increase in rent take place?

Thanks

Pixie5740

How have you been informed of the rent increase?

Fluff15

Only verbally and as a request through email:

As per our conversation today, I write to confirm the landlords request to increase the rent paid at ***, he has requested £765 pcm.

ETA: I am looking to hopefully move out next March, so ideally don't want to be tied in for another x months, if the rental increase starts from a certain date IYSWIM.

Pixie5740

Does the new 12 month tenancy agreement not have the new rent amount on it? The sooner you agree to the rent increase and sign the tenancy agreement, the sooner the 12 months will be up.

Fluff15

I have not been provided with a new tenancy agreement as of yet, I assume I am now currently under an AST?

Pixie5740

You've always had an AST. It's just now, rather than a fixed term tenancy you have a (statutory) periodic tenancy.

I think the rent increase is a bit of a red herring. It's the date that the 12 month renewal starts that will affect the date you can end the tenancy.

Fluff15

Thank you - I will email them back to say I accept the increase, but can you please confirm the start date of the new 12 months.

Ideally I will be moving next March, but feel that 2 weeks notice IF the contract started from the 5th and signing it retrospectively (as I did for the last two 12mo) is a bit short.

Fluff15

Emailed them to say we were looking to renew contract for March, but two weeks is a little short notice and can rent increase come into effect in May...

The answer is yes, and they're sending out the thing tonight to sign.