-How much can my rent increase by?
A rent increase in an assured shorthold tenancy has to be in line with average market rent. This is the average cost to rent similar properties in the area. However, there is no limit on how much it can be increased if it is within this average. For example, if the market average is £1200 and your rent is £300, then your landlord can increase the rent by £900. If your rent was £800 and the market average was £1200, then the rent could only increase by £400.
How do I challenge a rent increase?
First try negotiating with your landlord. You could let them know:
-Based on similar properties in your area, the increase they’re asking for is above market rent
-You’re willing to agree to a lower, more affordable, rent increase
-You’ll struggle financially to afford this increase. This could be the case if you can’t get any more local housing allowance from the council
It may be useful to use a budgeting tool to show what rent you can afford to pay.
You could go to a tribunal if you can’t negotiate the rent increase with your landlord:
-A tribunal can set a new rent for your tenancy. There is a risk that the tribunal could set a higher rent than your landlord is asking for. It’s worth double-checking that your rent is in line with similar properties in your area before you go to tribunal.
-You can apply to a tribunal if you’ve been given a section 13 by our landlord. You have to apply before the date when the new rent starts.
-You’ll need to download the appropriate form (Rents 1) from the GOV website and send it to the tribunal for your region. Make sure you send this with a copy of your section 13 notice.
-The tribunal will decide based on the documents sent by you and your landlord.
-The new rent decided by the tribunal will usually apply from the date in the section 13 notice. This might mean you owe your landlord money.
- If you’re unhappy with the tribunal’s decision, you can challenge it. You’ll usually need specialist advice to do this.
For more advice on renting, visit citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-privately
If you need further support, reach out to your local Citizens Advice- casort.org
*Information in this video is accurate at the time of publishing- 8 Nov 2023*