I have house that current tenant has been in for four years without rent increase – didnt increase due to re-development of back garden. Over the 4 years have spent considerable amount on property – new doors, carpets, flat roof, central heating, windows etc.
Have now given notice to increase rent to market value – its an increase of £175 per month. Shelter website advise you only need to give one months notice. I gave 7 weeks as good will gesture.
Can tenant refuse this? She is on housing benefit – always has been since she took on property. Has told me she cant afford increase and council will be phoning me. Where do I stand?
Many thanks
1 Comment
As long as you have used the prescribed form for the increase, it will be valid and the rent will increase to the amount specified on the date specified.
However, when somebody is on housing benefit, the rate they receive is locked for 52 weeks and therefore the increase would only take effect at their next renewal date. Until that time the tenant will be liable to make up the difference.
This one good thing Universal Credit will fix as that renews monthly so changes can be made much quicker.