Rent increase (Protocol)

Russe11

If it is specific to utilities, the landlord can not charge above the actual cost.

The amount you pay in utilities should not be inflated, unless your landlord is the energy supplier?(unlikely).

Sounds like the landlord wants to increase the rent, using utilities as a reason.

Sinces the rent and utilities are all lumped together its going to be hard to justify the proportions for each if you challenge the landlord.

Best course of action is to research comparable rentals in the area, then you can put forward a case for a lower increase or no increase, depending on your findings.

Giving the landlord the ultimatum/bluff of facing a void should you want to all give your notice should work quite effectively if the increase is more than the current going rates for the area.