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Landlord increase renting by 60% - is this legal?

Hi,

My friend and I rent a self storage unit in Battersea, it has no running water or toilet and is small (about 10x10m). We use as a make shift music studio, where we have been playing there for about 2 years paying £380 a month.

Today we got told as of August the rent will increase to £600! He said it's because they haven't increased the rent in 7 years and to bring it inline with values around the area, but we believe it's simply to get us out of the room.

We are reluctant to move since it's conveniently located for both of us and we have spent much time and effort getting it set up, so we would like to find out if he can legally make such a massive rent increase?

I've yet to read through our contract so am unsure of the specific terms yet.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
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Comments

  • ellie27
    ellie27 Posts: 1,097 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    If it was simply to get you out they would just give you notice that you were to leave surely?
  • ognum
    ognum Posts: 4,879 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    THis would I am guessing not have the same tenancy agreements as a home in law so read you contract carefully, what does that say?
  • jjlandlord
    jjlandlord Posts: 5,099 Forumite
    Read your lease first, then ask questions...
  • TBagpuss
    TBagpuss Posts: 11,237 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    (1) Read your lease. But it probably has a rent review clause. Check to see when the rent can be increased.
    (2) Look at other similar properties for rent. Is your landlord correct that similar properties are more expensive?
    All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)
  • maninthestreet
    maninthestreet Posts: 16,127 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture
    Is this a business let??
    "You were only supposed to blow the bl**dy doors off!!"
  • It's not a business let.

    I've read the lease and they can increase the rent with a months notice.

    I more wanted to check whether there is some sort of law that caps the increasing of rent to a certain percentage?
  • thesaint
    thesaint Posts: 4,324 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    No there isn't.
    The % increase is irrelevant. If it isn't worth it, then leave, and be happy that no one else will take it at that price either.
    Well life is harsh, hug me don't reject me.
  • Muds1
    Muds1 Posts: 83 Forumite
    IMO, if he wants to increase rent, your lease cant effectively stop that. I say that because if you do not agree to new rent, he can serve you notice and then put it back in market at increased price.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Is there a fixed term to the lease? When does it end? If the lease is ending, then any renewal is down to whatever the two parties negotiate and agree.

    If this is an increase during the period of the lease, then it depends what the lease says.

    I suggest you quote here the exact wording of the lease if you want advice.

    The only 'law' affecting this, is the law of contract.
  • Guest101
    Guest101 Posts: 15,764 Forumite
    So what kind of lease is it?
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