How often can landlord increase rent?

Keefaz

We've been renting for six years. September 2022, our landlady asked if we would be happy to become private tenants after having rented through an estate agents. Just prior to that, in July, our rent had gone up to £785. In March, rent went up to £800. Now she has proposed another rent increase to £840.

When we agreed to become private tenants, she told us she would freeze the rent for a year. We knew at the time this was probably nonsense, but even so, this feels a bit rude.

Not sure what we should do. Where do we stand if we tell her to get lost?

Alderbank

What kind of tenants were you before you became private tenants?

Keefaz

Alderbank said:

What kind of tenants were you before you became private tenants?

The house was let through an estate agents who were managing the property on behalf of the landlady. It was a fixed-term rental that we renewed each year.

Mr.Generous

What does T/A  say about increases?

Once a year is the accepted norm and is expected to be included in new legislation.

I'd remind landlady of the conversation about no increase for 12 months.

What is the current market rate for a property like yours?

KSS1991

I think it depends on what your contract says? I had landlord in the past who stated in the contract that every year the rent would go up extra 10%. And it did without a fail. Now we are the last month in a rental (buying our own home) and have been in this rental for 4.5years - our current landlord (its managed via estate agency) has not increased the rent at all. Literally not once. I am forever greatful to him and we've been good tenants but I dont tell anyone how cheap our rent is to not annoy people lol. So it depends! Are you able to find cheaper property to rent? It could be very hard to find rentals in general as there is limited supply so I would not make any rash decisions in your place

_Penny_Dreadful

Keefaz said:

We've been renting for six years. September 2022, our landlady asked if we would be happy to become private tenants after having rented through an estate agents. Just prior to that, in July, our rent had gone up to £785. In March, rent went up to £800. Now she has proposed another rent increase to £840.

When we agreed to become private tenants, she told us she would freeze the rent for a year. We knew at the time this was probably nonsense, but even so, this feels a bit rude.

Not sure what we should do. Where do we stand if we tell her to get lost?

How was the rent increased previously? New fixed term contract, a clause in an existing agreement, section 13 notice or mutual agreement?

theartfullodger

Every week, if tenant agrees.  If not section 13 process not useable more often that every 52 weeks for 1st increase (not yearly as so many experts claim), thereafter yearly...

see...
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/50/section/13