Tenants refusing to accept rent increase!

Tenants refusing to accept rent increase!

0:02 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago 49

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Hi, I am facing issues with implementing rent increases. The tenancies are AST that have rolled on to periodic tenancies on the expiry of the initial fixed term. The rents have to go up as costs have gone up and rents have not been revised for over a year.

In one of the properties, the tenant simply refuses to accept the increase stating it is unaffordable for them and they will continue to stay in the property at the old rent until they find another suitable place to rent. They have stayed in the property for over a year without any increase. I increased the rent on other flats in the same block but did not increase their rent as there were some outstanding repair issues that were being dealt with. Soon after the repair works were completed, I have given the tenant a month’s notice of the increase.

The increased rent is in line with what can be achieved on similar properties in the area. However, the tenants are adamant and refuse to accept any increase in rent. It is highly unlikely that the tenants will be able to find another property at the same or lower rent. I have tried negotiating with them but they won’t budge. What are my options?

There is another tenant who brings up maintenance issues, every time a rent increase is proposed and refuses to pay the increased rent unless all the repairs are completed to their satisfaction. These repair issues are never flagged up during the year! Are tenants legally permitted to refuse to pay the higher rent on these grounds?

Thanks,

Sam


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Contango

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10:00 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

I believe you should give two months notice of rent increase

Fed Up Landlord

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10:07 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

Don't be too soft with tenants or they will walk all over you.

Issue Section 13 Notice with ONE months notice ( not TWO) . Gives tenant option to pay up or go to Rent Tribunal. If rent is market rent then they will lose. Never had one go to Tribunal in 20 years.

Your property, your right to set a market rent. If they don't agree issue Section 21 Notice. If rent arrears issue Section 8 as well.

Kate Mellor

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10:08 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Contango at 09/08/2023 - 10:00
It’s actually one rent period, or a minimum of one month if the rent period is less than a month.

John Curtis

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10:12 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

In the present market if the tenants refuse to pay the market rent give them notice to quit. This will focus their minds as they will have the option to pay the new rent or be made homeless by there own hand.
Tenants need reminding it's the landlords property and they allow the tenant to have a home as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of contract.

David Houghton

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10:12 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

Once the problems start they only get bigger. Ask yourself are these tenants worth keeping?

Luke P

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10:25 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

Don’t mess around with a s.13 and continue to pursue the rent increase (a s.13 would allow them to challenge…and likely win against the rent increase), just issue a s.21 and be done with this tenant. I’m about to increase rents for the fifth/sixth year in a row, after two decades of never really altering them and this will be the biggest increase yet. If the don’t like it, they can be replaced by the queue of people that will pay. I’m not housing the Govt’s dregs for free anymore.

Kate Mellor

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10:38 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

I agree with Gary, they think that if they stick together and hang tough you won’t be able to evict the whole block. Tenants in a group like this with the same landlord are the worst for comparing notes and gossiping!
You have no choice but to call their bluff. The increase has been given. You must now outmanoeuvre them in any potential eviction proceedings.
Inspect all the relevant properties, speak with the tenants in person while you’re there to ascertain exactly what the condition of the property is and what they’re dissatisfied with (take photos of anything they bring up as an issue). Send a follow up letter summarising your conversation. Get them to confirm in writing (email) that these are the only aspects of the property they feel need attention. Get the repairs carried out (keep evidence). Get WRITTEN confirmation from each tenant that they are satisfied with the repairs.
You’ve now ensured that they can’t counterclaim for disrepair in any potential eviction proceedings. Send out statements showing any arrears and depending on the size of the arrears give a deadline for payment, or an offer of a repayment plan. If these fail, then ensure you have proof that you comply with everything you need to and then issue S21s to either all late payers, or the worst offenders. If you have a particular tenant who is the ringleader then you need to make an example of them. You don’t need to follow through and evict everyone, but you have to progress those that don’t pay. Make it clear that you won’t progress the notice if the arrears are cleared and I’d be very surprised if you need to action any evictions. We have a number of blocks and they all talk. ESPECIALLY when a rent increase is given!

Russell Cartner

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10:42 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

If there being awkward now things will get much worse quickly. Get them out now by whatever means possible. They are not your friends, show them who's boss or they will make your life a misery

Elena Sh

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10:58 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

Tenants are not your friends and you are not charity. Let them ask this government all the questions ..

Luke P

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11:13 AM, 9th August 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Kate Mellor at 09/08/2023 - 10:38
Way too much hassle.

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