Help: rent increase by 22.5%!

serg85

Yesterday I was given a notice that my rent is due to increase by as much as ~22.5% (£200) from August (2 months notice) as a result of rent review. This is post the initial period of let of 6 months and, judging by the tenancy agreement-this is normal. However, given the rather huge increase, I am wondering if I have any options to contest this? I am in the process of finding a new job in a different location, which means I do not want to commit to another property at this time nor pay the higher rent come August. As my options are fairly limited, wondering if there's anything else I could consider? Thank you

host-two

If its set out in your current contract the payment amount and its not ended then they aren't allowed to increase.

On the other hand if you are renewing your contract i'd try and get the rent amount down or just try and find another property within your budget.

Smodlet

Find somewhere cheaper to rent. If you are planning to relocate soon, try to get a tenancy agreement on a monthly rolling contract basis, rather than signing up for another six months.

dimbo61

Do nothing and more importantly Sign nothing !
After the first 6 months you would normally go onto a rolling contract so month by month.
The letting agents and LL then have the choice of giving you a S21 and going through the eviction process which can take several months.
Giving you time to see if you get the new job and want to move area.

theartfullodger

Council, housing association or private landlord?

HOW were you informed - notice sent, new contract, , what?

Rent ever increased before?

G_M

serg85 wrote: »

....This is post the initial period of let of 6 months and, judging by the tenancy agreement-this is normal.

Please clarify:

* England/Wales?

* initial 6 month fixed term which has now ended? When?

* now a Contractual Periodic Tenancy or a Statutory Periodic Tenancy?
If you don't know, read:
* Ending/renewing an AST: what happens when a fixed term ends? How can a LL or tenant end a tenancy? What is a periodic tenancy?

* Does the tenancy Agreement say anything about rent increases? If yes, please quote the exact wording

See also:

* Rent increases: when & how can rent be increased?

serg85

Yes the initial term was 6 months and then 2-months rolling. So is this to say I shouldn't pay more come August and maybe move out soon after? Not signed anything, they didn't ask, it was just a phone call/email

serg85

It's a letting agent on behalf of a landlord living abroad. They phoned me and then sent a copy of the letter addressed to them via email. Been here over 1.5 years and no increase throughout

serg85

Scotland, actually

Initial 6 months ended exactly a year ago - just realised!

Nothing on the rent increase in the tenancy agreement, just a note on "rent review", which is what they called in the notice letter to me. As in the agreement "the rent review will be at the end of the initial period of let (min 6m) and end of each term thereafter. Tenant will be provided with at least 2 months' written notice of (if any) rent changes in order to provide enough time to amend the standing order"

Thank you

theartfullodger

Shelter Scotland's advice on rent increases in Scotland.
https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/paying_for_a_home/paying_rent/rent_increases


Try negotiating, ideally directly with landlord if agent won't play.


Is landlord & property registered? Presumably tenancy type is Short Assured?


Recognize if you refuse increase landlord could evict you using the "for no reason at all" route.

G_M

Scotland. I'm out!


Artful's your man.