Landlord increasing rent by 45% with immediate effect - any legal recourse?!

[Quodlibet]

Hi there

On behalf of friends I'd be very glad of any advice anyone could offer. The friend's landlord (via an agency) has just delivered the news that they are increasing the rent on their house by 45% with renewal of the contract. The rent has been at the low end of normal up until now, but they've been good tenants for more than 5 years with an excellent relationship with landlord thus far.

Obviously a 45% increase in rent is a) unaffordable and b)unnecessary (the landlords/agencies costs haven't increased, they're just trying to wring more profit out of the property).

Can anyone tell me what rights my friends have to contest the rent rise?

Many thanks in advance!

www.tenancyagreementservice.co.uk/rent-increases.htm

Lots of info here . There is a rent assessment committee that they can appeal to. However, I would be tempted to just find a new place, give notice and give the reason as the massive rent increase.

More fool the landlord, who obviously feels he can make more money. But cost is loss of good tennants.

Speak to Shelter - they are the best for advice in these matters

Yes, Shelter or CAB - landlord & tenant law is a total minefield and you need someone properly qualified to advise. By 'properly qualified' I mean someone who is trained and specilises in L&T.

They could write back saying they don't agree to the increase. The landlord would then have to negotiate a lower increase, or give then motice to quit.

i am in a private rented property and my rent is currently reasonable-ish, this would be my worst nightmare house wise!

If my landlord did this though I think I would look to move as obviously more keen on profit above all else. I know they are doing it to make a profit but a 45% rise is shocking!

How do you know the rent rise is unnecessary? The landlord may have remortgaged and can't get as low a rate as before. The agency may have changed the percentage it charges, or there may be repairs to the property coming up that the landlord will need to pay for.

That said, 45% in one hit seems a lot; he should have raised it each year at the rent review.