How big a rent increase is fair?

G_M

Do some research then invite him round for tea. Bake a cake.

Discuss
* local market rates. Have print-outs of similar properties being advertised showing the rents for comparison

* the improvements you have made. Have a list of all the work you've done, with aproximate cost to you (and what the cost would have been to him to employ contractors)

* your circumstances. Long-standing, reliable tenants Vs a void with no rent if you leave followed by an unknown new tenant (always soe risk)

* his circumstances. tax-free income with no problems.......... (subtle hint)

sisyphal

Cliveman_Pieman wrote: »

Also, contact HMRC if he is evading tax

This and look into the legality of taking your improvements (carpet, laminate etc) with you.

AT1966

Take some legal advice from Shelter or the CAB so that you are aware of your rights.

If you have paid a deposit check that it was properly registered, if not you may be entitled to compensation of up to 3 times the deposit.

Re the tax issue, if your landlord has not being paying tax on the rent he is in a very weak position, and would be pretty foolish to force you out. The HMRC could apply back taxes and penalties for all of the time he has let the property - not to mention the thousands of pounds of accountancy fees that he is likely to rack up trying to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the taxman.

Crashy_Time

https://www.ftadviser.com/property/2017/05/08/london-rents-fall-for-first-time-in-eight-years/

Marvel1

catkins wrote: »

We have spent our time and money decorating every room, putting in new carpets or laminate and various other things.

I wouldn't mind but he doesn't declare that he is renting the house out and insists on being paid cash so it is all tax free money going in his pocket

Never ever spend money on someone elses property.

As for income tax, report him.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Crashy_Time wrote: »

https://www.ftadviser.com/property/2017/05/08/london-rents-fall-for-first-time-in-eight-years/

That's irrelevant if, as they admit, they are paying below market rent at the moment.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

AT1966 wrote: »

Re the tax issue, if your landlord has not being paying tax on the rent he is in a very weak position, and would be pretty foolish to force you out. The HMRC could apply back taxes and penalties for all of the time he has let the property - not to mention the thousands of pounds of accountancy fees that he is likely to rack up trying to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the taxman.

I don't disagree with them reporting him if they choose to, but I am not sure they should try and blackmail him by threatening to reveal his illegal activity.

Smodlet

One day, I will understand the power of the cake, I am resolved upon it!

I wish you the best of luck, catkins. I have some lovely neighbours who rent who are terrified of asking for repairs to be done in case the LL increases the rent to pay for them. Back in the day, when we rented (but from the council) we did make improvements but councils have measures in place where you can take everything with you so long as you make good and leave the place in a decent state. I know this does not help you but I do hope you find a satisfactory outcome to your situation.

Crashy_Time

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

That's irrelevant if, as they admit, they are paying below market rent at the moment.

Why would a landlord take "below market rent" for years, is it because they are kind hearted, or just couldn`t fill the place long term at a higher rent? Rents falling in general just make it easier to walk away if you don`t like the deal the landlord is offering.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Crashy_Time wrote: »

Why would a landlord take "below market rent" for years, is it because they are kind hearted, or just couldn`t fill the place long term at a higher rent? Rents falling in general just make it easier to walk away if you don`t like the deal the landlord is offering.

I don't know, but he did. They admit he did.