Private Housing Rent Increase

[gboswell]

I'm sure this is an old chestnut here, but today (on my 65th birthday) the landlord (or more accurately the landlord's husband) has emailed to propose a rent increase from 1st October of £50, from £725 to £775. My wife and I are both on benefits, ESA and PIP, and we can't afford it, especially in light of the financial and economic situation out there already. Can I get any advice here? The Cornwall Council Private Sector Housing department has sent us to the CAB who have been proving difficult to contact today, as are Shelter, so I thought I'd ask here. I'm happy to supply any further information, both factual and/or anecdotal.

[dslippy]

When is the rent increase dur to take place in relation to the term of the lease.

[gboswell]

31st August is when the annual anniversary takes place. Unfortunately, it happens to be my birthday! We moved in this time of year in 2016. The rent was then £695. We have been advised to submit a list of disrepair sto be undertaken by him, prior to an investigation with a view to an improvement order.

[atticus]

Unfortunately the very simple point is that your landlord is entitled to ask you to agree a rent increase. If you are not able to agree something with your landlord, he may initiate the process to end your tenancy and obtain possession by serving a s21 notice.

Have you read this, from Shelter? https://england.shelter.org.uk/housi...sk_for_repairs