Landlord wants to raise my rent nearly £200 what to do?

cashmonger

The thing is this isn't extortionate for where I live. It is just that I happened to be paying exceptionally cheap compared to other properties mainly because I don't think the landlord kept close tabs on the management of the property as he lives in London and the property is up north- he hasn't even been to the property from what I was told his friend just bought it for him. But he switched management now and they are having a 'spring clean' and getting everything up to date, and now it seems, rent included.

I live in an apartment building and I have looked in estate agents for going rates of other flats in the building and they go for between £750 and £850 per month. I have only been paying £575 for a few years now. So I am sure he is eager to get in line with that pricing. They are proposing an increase to £750

I can't really haggle down much when those other prices are so high can I. I don't really have a 'leg to stand on' as they say eh?

This came at the worst time -but doesn't it always - when my business just exploded on me and lost all my small income I was starting to get.

I only got fibre broadband installed the other day on a 12 month contract so I might have to quickly cancel that before my 30 days grace period is up in case I have to move.

So I guess I just have to take the hit and either move out or ask mummy dear to help me with the shortfall for a while.

foxy-stoat

Look at it this way, you have been under paying for a long time, so you will just have to adjust your monthly budget.

elverson

Have you been there for a while? If so and you've paid the rent on time etc, this will give you more negotiating power.

[Deleted User]

As you knew you were underpaying for so long it would have been prudent to put some of the shortfall aside for just such an eventuallity.

I do think there are limits on how much landlords can increasse rent by though so maybe worth getting some advice. However if you challenge it they might just serve a Sec 21 and get someone else in who is willing and able to pay the market price.

annandale

You'll get housing benefit if you are on a low income, or partial housing benefit surely?

cashmonger

elverson wrote: »

Have you been there for a while? If so and you've paid the rent on time etc, this will give you more negotiating power.

Yes I was just about to add this is my main bargaining chip. I have been here 5-6 years and always been a model tenant and never ask for anything unless it is some serious work that needs doing.

As my mum said in the past if I were to leave then the landlord would have at least a month's rent lost not to mention the fees for putting it on the market so can mention that as well in terms of how much it will cost him if I leave vs. a lowering of the rent.

BBH123 wrote: »

As you knew you were underpaying for so long it would have been prudent to put some of the shortfall aside for just such an eventuallity.

There is no shortfall I already paid all my money on rent. I wasn't earning anything to make a shortfall. £575 was already hitting above my weight tbh.

annandale wrote: »

You'll get housing benefit if you are on a low income, or partial housing benefit surely?

Already on HB and working tax credit.

p00hsticks

cashmonger wrote: »

So I guess I just have to take the hit and either move out or ask mummy dear to help me with the shortfall for a while.

If the proposed rent is the going rate though, where could you move out to though that's cheaper - can you downsize or house share ?

cashbackproblems

Maybe you can negotiate a £100 increase? Do you need to be living in that area/block maybe you can find a cheaper house share with en suite or similar.


Unfortunately the housing market is screwed for people who don't have high paid jobs in this country or living with a partner who also works

ognum

Read your contract, is there a clause in it that limits rent rises to a certain percentage of the rent currently being paid.

Fuzzyness

doesnt sound like you'll find anywhere else as cheap so if you do move out you'll end up paying fees and moving costs and still end up with the same rent to pay anyway. do you like the property you live in?

GDB2222

ognum wrote: »

Read your contract, is there a clause in it that limits rent rises to a certain percentage of the rent currently being paid.

Number 1, there won't be.

Number 2, as this is past the initial period, the landlord will just serve a S21 notice.

The new agents are just doing their job.