Sudden huge rent increase

[livyaz]

Hi, we have rented out home for almost 2 years now, all fine and very average for area we are in (far north).
Yesterday I got a text out of the blue from the house owner, saying that he was fed up with the letting agents fees and was terminating the contract he has with them.
He also said that he plans to increase the rent from £900 pcm to £1250pcm as "everything is going up in cost"
What on earth do we do??
We have never had an issue with anything, had a couple of leaks over the last 2 years, and a valve on a radiator replaced.
During house inspections the letting agent commented that it was the best kept rented property they had seen, I can't understand how such a hike can be justified, any advice how to respond?

I am a landlord. I set rents at the lower end of market rate, and up to now have never increased rents during a tenancy. I am reluctantly now having to review this as the rent includes all utilities, and one tenant has been there more than 5 years. Unfortunately increases in fuel costs have been the final straw.

Your landlord sounds awful, and the sort of person who gives us all a bad name, but I wouldn’t send that letter.

Yes, it is time consuming and costly to take eviction proceedings but if the landlord is successful it is likely that the tenant will be ordered to pay court costs.

Also in today’s ridiculous market where there are lots of applicants for each property someone who has been evicted and has no former landlord reference isn’t likely to be top of anyone’s ‘wish list’

I am not a solicitor but far as I am aware the notice period does need to be at least one ‘rental period’, normally one month, but the section 13 letter is only required if the Tenancy Agreement doesn’t mention rent increases. You would need proper legal advice but if the notice isn’t currently legally binding you don’t have to pay the increased amount. It is his responsibility to get things right, and I can see no reason to ‘help’ him. He is being really greedy. If he stops using the letting agent he will already gain what he pays in their fees.

I don’t think your landlord deserves you as a tenant and I hope that eventually you find one who does.

@ivykaty44

The email up thread is good from Deedee

The landlord sounds as if he isn’t upto date with how to legally do things which can work in your favour

I’ve seen many supposed section 21 sent to tenants, only due to them not being worded properly they have no standing. So the tenant waits 55 days and tells the landlord it’s not legal and won’t stand in court - wastes a lot of time - especially if the landlord sends another which is also not legally standing, that’s another 55 days waiting till the tenant tells them. Mean while they pay their rent (at the old rent, as if you pay it at the new rent that’s agreeing to the raise) and wait it out

But contact shelter

I know a property barrister... He believes about 1/3 of s21 notices are served incorrectly, meaning they would be struck out (voided) if it ever reached court.

I wonder if it's worth pointing out that a major role of the letting agents is to deal with problems on his behalf. He may feel he doesn't need them as you are established well-behaved tenants who look after the place, but if he hikes up the rent massively, there's a fair chance you will go as soon as you can find something cheaper - and then he's going to have all the hassle and expense of replacing you.

I think you need to seek advice, unless you are able and willing to move.

He believes about 1/3 of s21 notices are served incorrectly,

That’s generous, I’d suggest 50/60% but many never get to court as tenants leave, unaware they don’t need to vacate

I would push back and explain what an asset you are. Then I would look at what else is available.

My landlord tries to increase others rent when tenants move out but then he bumps it back down because it is already very expensive.