Can’t afford a rent increase

[Anon87655]

Hi so this is probably a major problem for a lot of people but I honestly don’t know what to do.

im a single working parent and have lived in my private rented property over 6 years now. The house was sold and bought by a new landlord who keeps upping my rent. Understandably I am paying about 200£ less than other private rent in my area but I can’t afford to pay that.

So I got a call off the estate agent this morning saying you are in rent arrears please send over X amount of money. So I was like hold on rent arrears??? I have never ever missed a payment or been short. She said we sent an email end of July beginning of august sometime to tell you. No letter or call which would have been nice so I could have contacted soon as I know to try come to some sort of agreement.

I really really can’t afford to pay an increase I’ve been in work crying over it and I am so stressed I haven’t got any money to move and the rent is too expensive everywhere I have looked. Been on the housing for 6 years and never get a look in on any properties.
Is there anything I can do? I feel so sick over it, I’m struggling financially at the minute and coming up to winter with the price of gas electric water council tax I can’t keep my head above the water. I’ve got credit card debts where I’ve had to pay for bills and food because I literally don’t have anything left. I am on the verge of a break down feel so sh*t on my kids in case I can’t afford food. The landlord doesn’t want to negotiate but I honestly can’t do it. And now I’m in arrears and scared he’s going to evict me before Christmas. I feel trapped with no way out I work every hour I can around my kids but my wages don’t even cover the rent I get top up UC and once all my rent/bills are paid I have £28.87 left. My rent went up £100 last year now up £100 again this year.

I’m so sorry you’re in the position you’re in. Your landlord can’t increase your rent without your agreement. You should have signed an agreement. Also ask for evidence that an email was sent and on what date.

If you’re in private rental -

https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/rent-increases

Post on Tenancy Matters UK on Facebook and you will get very good advice.

I dont think the arrears can stand without an actual agreement or something, but unfortunately I can see their need to raise the rent as their costs will be increasing too. And if its £200 less than everything else in the area then its totally understandable that they want to raise it.

You need proof of the proposed rent increase. Form 6A would give you the right to dispute the increase.

They need to send you proof of the email and do you have a signed tenancy agreement?

There are limits on increases if you are paying market rent, but as you say you are paying way below that, and still will be after the increase, they would not apply

Landlord costs are also much higher and they are still charging you less than they could do

Double check whether any of your benefits change with the higher rent

It's a horrible situation, but unfortunately you may not be able to afford to live there
Eviction takes a while so v unlikely to happen before Christmas - I know that is not much comfort

Report it to housing too - if you are homeless your priority status will go up. They may house you temporarily for a while but you will have a better chance of getting a permanent property

If you get evicted I think from what ive heard its easier to get housing, as minimum you'd get temporary housing. I dont know the size or location of where you live but it sounds like you cant afford the area you live in or the size of the property, so you probably need to move somewhere. cheaper and possibly downsize until you get back on your feet.

You should also consider getting a new permanent job which pays more. It's a cost of living crisis and not a time to be comfortable in a job unfortunately - you need to follow the cash. When is your next pay rise expected? Otherwise your debt will just keep growing.