Landlord wants to put the rent up

Arleen

annab275 wrote: »

but if we left he would need one for new tenants. He would also need to spend a fair bit to get the property up to scratch. That's why I am a bit perplexed as we have been providing him with income for over 10 years. Properties in this area are more expensive but they are newly refurbished with modern kitchens and bathrooms. We do have the option of moving but I feel he is taking advantage of the fact that we like living here!

You are free to negotiate with the landlord and present him exactly those facts. And if you don't have current landlord contact details, namely the address, you can demand the agents to provide you with it.

vqmismatch

I'd start by sending them the agreement for the five year freeze just incase they have forgotten about it. They may then do the decent thing and honour it.

Otherwise if you particularly like the place, and it needs a fair bit of work before the landlord could replace you, why not offer to buy them out? If you can do the sums and demonstrate the the advantages to them of selling to your vs you leaving and needing work done before a new tenant could be found you might be able to get it at a more affordable price than anywhere else locally.

annab275

We already sent the agreement so he is aware of it. There isn't a chance of us buying him out. I appreciate it is a business arrangement, but it worked well for each side, which is why I don't understand why he has gone back on his word. The way I see it, we have to put up and shut up and keep an eye out for somewhere else. The odds seem stacked against tenants, although I do get landlords can find bad tenants expensive and barely worth the trouble. Thanks for everyone's comments.

Arleen

There is one thing you could've done to protect yourself better - ask for a fixed tenancy for the 5 year period mentioned in the letter. This way he wouldn't be able to get you out before the 5 years pass, nor use this to force you into accepting rent increase.

FBaby

He would also need to spend a fair bit to get the property up to scratch. That's why I am a bit perplexed as we have been providing him with income for over 10 years. Properties in this area are more expensive but they are newly refurbished with modern kitchens and bathrooms

So maybe he would be prepared to invest on a modernised kitchen and bathroom if it meant a good increase in rent with a new tenant.

Agreeing no rent increase for 5 years is frankly foolish, but alternatively, you were given that guarantee. Could you compromise and say you agree to an increase of £20 a month?

annab275

yes that's possible. He usually puts the rent up every year or so by £20 or £30. He will only do what is necessary, like replace the boiler. the kitchen is around mid 1970's, same as the bathroom. The loo gave up the ghost and he was advised that it would be better to get a matching white sink and bath but he chose to just replace the loo and we still have the avocado bath complete with corroded gold taps.

AdrianC

annab275 wrote: »

but if we left he would need one for new tenants. He would also need to spend a fair bit to get the property up to scratch.

Or perhaps he would look to redevelop or sell it.

What he may or may not need for a future tenant is irrelevant to what he may or may not need for you. You are clearly happy to live in the property in that condition.

sparky130a

annab275 wrote: »

That's why I am a bit perplexed as we have been providing him with income for over 10 years. !

In return for a home.

It's not often i say it regarding LL's but you sound awfully entitled.

If you don't like it move to one of the newer properties and pay the premium that comes with it. You can't have it both ways. If i want to travel first class i pay for it.

MyOnlyPost

I would hazard a guess the landlord is trying to increase the rent to mitigate costs arising from recent government legislation, none of which would have been on the statute books when your agreement was signed (not your problem of course). I think in the circumstances you are entitled to fight for the agreement you have and try to enforce it as best you can. The landlord however is able to serve notice to end your tenancy without breaching that agreement

Arleen wrote: »

There is one thing you could've done to protect yourself better - ask for a fixed tenancy for the 5 year period mentioned in the letter. This way he wouldn't be able to get you out before the 5 years pass, nor use this to force you into accepting rent increase.

Very few (if any) landlords would offer a 5 year AST and the tenant would be tying themselves to paying 5 years rent even if they chose/had to move.

Arleen

MyOnlyPost wrote: »

Very few (if any) landlords would offer a 5 year AST and the tenant would be tying themselves to paying 5 years rent even if they chose/had to move.

Absolutely, but then how many landlords offer 5 years fixed rent terms?