LL trying to raise rents again

Oneplanetonelife

Our LL has informed us in writing they want to raise the rents again. I can’t believe it we have just been through such an unpleasant time disagreeing about the last attempt to raise rents.

they lost and are now trying again.

we have told the LL we will take it tribunal if they try again to raise the rents but they won’t back down it looks like it will indeed go to tribunal 

has anyone experienced this yet, what is the best way to play this?

user1977

Previous thread if that helps anyone:

LL trying to raise rent again — MoneySavingExpert Forum

saajan_12

Need a bunch more detail
- when was the last (successful) increase and how (S13, mutual agreement, etc)?
- How and why did the last increase attempt fail?
- What is the current rent?
- What is the market rent for comparable properties in the area?
- What have they done regarding this increase eg served notice, offered a new contract, offered a new number on a rolling basis etc?

Jemma01

I haven't read the previous thread. Have you looked what it would cost to move out? And how much similar properties cost? Increasing the rent is unfortunately but common 😢 if they're asking for a reasonable increase, it might be hard to fight. Mortgages have increased for many ppl renewing, LL might be one of them.

theartfullodger

Propose, in writing, a rent reduction.  Obvs.

You are as entitled to do so as much as landlord suggesting a rise.  

Best wishes to all 

silvercar

How does the rent proposed compare to the market rent? If this property is becoming too expensive for you consider moving. 

If you go to tribunal, the tribunal decides if the rent is reasonable for the market. If it is, you have to pay the increase back dated to when the rent was first increased. If the tribunal decides the rent proposed is not reasonable the tribunal sets the rent. 

Though remember the new bill doesn’t come into force until 1 May 2026, so the landlord could evict you if they don’t get the rent they are looking for.

_Penny_Dreadful

Oneplanetonelife said:

Our LL has informed us in writing they want to raise the rents again. I can’t believe it we have just been through such an unpleasant time disagreeing about the last attempt to raise rents.

they lost and are now trying again.

we have told the LL we will take it tribunal if they try again to raise the rents but they won’t back down it looks like it will indeed go to tribunal 

has anyone experienced this yet, what is the best way to play this?

I agree with @saajan_12, we need more information.

I read your previous thread and it's difficult to tell if the rent was increased at the start of the year and how.

Assuming you're in England and have an AST, this link from the sticky at the top of the board explains how and when rent cant be increased.

RENT INCREASES: when & how can rent be increased?

@silvercar also asks and important question, which was also asked in your previous thread but never answered, how does the proposed rent compare with that of similar properties in the local market?  If it's in-line with market rents then going to tribunal is just prolonging the inevitable. 

mlz1413

Oneplanetonelife said:

Our LL has informed us in writing they want to raise the rents again. I can’t believe it we have just been through such an unpleasant time disagreeing about the last attempt to raise rents.

they lost and are now trying again.

we have told the LL we will take it tribunal if they try again to raise the rents but they won’t back down it looks like it will indeed go to tribunal 

has anyone experienced this yet, what is the best way to play this?

You say 'raise rent again' but your post also says they lost last time.  So are you still paying the same rent as 2024?  IE the proposed rent increase of 2025 wasn't added.

Many landlords still getting 2024 (or before) rent value are going to want more.  Or at least keep trying for more.

Compare what you are paying to what else you can rent.

You not being able to afford the property you are in, doesn't mean your LL has to rent below market value to you.

Your LL may value you as a tenant if you keep the place in good condition and may choose to keep your rent the same, but they don't have to.

Depending on your area the rental market can be cut throat, with new properties renting within days.

Put a search into Rightmove and have a look at what is in your area. And look at what dates they were added plus the Let Agreed stuff too.  This will give you an idea of if the LL is just keeping up with the market or if they are being unreasonable. 

p00hsticks

Jemma01 said:

I haven't read the previous thread. 

It's a long thread but I think a fair summary would be that the OP is/was living beyond their means and is/was in serious financial difficulty - not paying utility bills or council tax as well as not being able to afford rent (which was largely being paid via Universal Credit). 

The OP was advised a year ago that they needed to address this by moving into a cheaper property and attempting to deal with their debt issues - it's unclear what (if anything) has changed sice then. 

saajan_12

Oneplanetonelife said:

we have told the LL we will take it tribunal if they try again to raise the rents but they won’t back down it looks like it will indeed go to tribunal 

has anyone experienced this yet, what is the best way to play this?

Reading this in conjunction with the last thread.. tribunal isn't the big threat you think it is, if the proposed rent is in line with markets then that's what they'll back. 

Best way is to move to somewhere you can afford. 

powerful_Rogue

Plenty of advice in the previous thread. You also appeared reluctant to answer some very relevant questions.

Guessing your rent is still £2200 which is covered fully by UC and the landlord wants to increase the rent to £2400, in which you would have to pay the extra £200?