If there is a chance your house rent will be increased here are some questions and answers to help.
My landlord has increased the rent. Is this right?
The landlord cannot increase the house rent without consent if a tenant has signed a fixed term rental agreement, typically lasting for six or 12 months. The only instance where a rent increase could occur during this time is where rental reviews are included in the landlord tenancy agreement. Tenants should ensure they check this before signing to know where they stand. It will state the frequency rental increases can occur and how.
Usually however, when the fixed term comes to an end (after six or 12 months) the landlord issues a ‘notice of increase’ in writing. This gives a tenant two months’ minimum notice of the house rent increase.
What if I can’t afford it?
Tenants aren’t obliged to accept the increase and have options. The first is to negotiate with the landlord and see if they will accommodate their tenant’s needs and reduce the increase. Landlords greatly value good, solid, reliable tenants so if you’ve always looked after their residential lettings responsibly and paid your rent on time make sure you point this out.
What if the landlord won’t compromise financially?
Tenants can try and negotiate extra additions to be included in the rent for example, some utility or cleaning bills. Repairs and maintenance are often needed on property lettings so if a rental increase is on the horizon, it could be a good time to ask the landlord for any needed repairs to be done. For the extra you’ll be paying per month, better insulation would perhaps be beneficial (landlords benefit from this too).
Will I need to move out?
If no compromises are to be had and the rent increase is not affordable, then unfortunately many tenants will need to visit their local letting agency or online lettings agents for a new house to rent.