AN increase in rent is something every tenants fears, so how much extra can your landlord decide to charge you?
Price everywhere are increasing and tenants are facing shocking increases in rents.
We explain everything you need to know including your rights as a tenant if your landlord does make that dreaded call.
Can my landlord increase my rent?
Your landlord can increase your rent - but there are rules they should follow.
Firstly, it's important to know what type of tenancy you're in - this determines when your landlord increase up your rent.
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Your tenancy agreement should have a section on when the price you're paying will be reviewed.
For a periodic tenancy, which is a rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month basis, your landlord cannot normally increase the rent more than once a year without your agreement.
Your landlord must give you a minimum of one month’s notice (if you pay rent weekly or monthly).
If you have a yearly tenancy, they must give you 6 months’ notice.
If a tenancy agreement doesn’t include a rent review clause, or it’s expired and the landlord still wishes to raise the rent, a landlord can use a a section 13 notice.
A section 13 procedure can only be used once a year.
Tenants must have at least one month’s notice of the proposed increase for weekly or monthly rental agreements.
If the tenancy agreement is for more than one month, a tenant is entitled to more notice - this is usually 6 months.
Your landlord can't just bill you the increased amount
Secondly, your landlord has to ask for your permission before an amount is agreed - they can't just tell you that the price is going to increase.
Plus, the increase should be in line with average rents in the local area and relevant to the property size.
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If you do not agree with the price then you're well within your right to come back with a counter offer.
For example, if your landlord wishes to increase the rent from £600 to £800, you could suggest to meet in the middle at £700.
This can be a good way of meeting your landlord in the middle while still keeping the cost as low as possible.
They might not agree, but if you're a good tenant it may be in their financial interests to keep you as it will cost them to find replacements.
What happens if my landlord and I don't agree on a price?
If your landlord doesn't agree with your counter offer or you just don't agree at all, you can dispute it and appeal to a tribunal.
Appealing to a tribunal will also allow you to challenge a section 13 if one has been served.
However, you must still pay the rent at the existing rate until a decision is reached - so don't stop paying entirely as this could make things worse.
What should I do if I can’t pay my rent?
For private renters, speak to your landlord as soon as you can.
They may be willing to defer payment for a while or to allow you to pay a smaller amount until you can get back on your feet.
If you want to talk to someone about how to deal with your landlord, you can contact Shelter or Citizens Advice, or Housing Advice NI in Northern Ireland.
These organisations will also be able to talk to you about what entitlements you might be able to claim to help pay your rent if you’re on a low income.
Check if you can get help elsewhere to pay your rent.
If you’re on a low income or get benefits you might be able to get Housing Benefit (or housing costs payments through Universal Credit) for example.
If you haven’t been able to get your landlord to agree to a lower rent you can appeal to a tribunal for rent complaints. It’s free to do this.
Do seek help if you're struggling, there's help out there and you shouldn't worry alone.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk
