New landlord - Rent increase

[Bert1975]

I signed a tenancy agreement 6 months ago when I moved into the property. This stated no increase for a year. I was then informed there is a change of Landlord - therefore was required to sign a new agreement.

A couple months later I have been informed that there is a substantial rise in my rent - approx £20 a month which includes different service or utility charges. I have queried this with the landlord - he said nothing can be done as he did not agree to a freeze and has given a months notice.

I believe requesting me to sign a new agreement was underhand as there was obviously the intention to alter the rent shortly after.

I would take this to the rent review committee - however, due to awaiting response form the landlord - time has run out as the rent committee only deal with disputes prior to increases.

Any advice welcome please!

[Conniff]

You can check with the land registry that you do indeed have a new landlord.
This is probably to be expected as the availability of mortgages decreases there is likely to be a bigger demand for rented accommodation and with that higher rents.

[Lonestar1976a]

Originally Posted by Conniff

You can check with the land registry that you do indeed have a new landlord.
This is probably to be expected as the availability of mortgages decreases there is likely to be a bigger demand for rented accommodation and with that higher rents.

I am writing on behalf of my girlfriend, 'Bert1975'. I can confirm that a new landlord has taken over. It is not a 'one man band', but a large and very well known (In the Midlands) private lettings company, rather than just a single guy who lets out his '2nd home'. I have been told not to mention any names, therefore I must abide by my partners wishes.

The question is; Surely when a tennancy agreement was signed, a new landlord would have to abide by that agreement? As she stated, this documentation stated there would be no rent increases for a period of 12 months, but the new landlord is disputing it, using the fact that they never agreed to not increasing the rent. It was the previous 'landlord' which agreed to this.

A quick response by anyone out there would be appreciated on this one please folks.....

Thanks.....

[Steve__M]

Not an expert, but I'm guessing that the new agreement supersedes the old agreement.

What does the new agreement say with regards to the rent?

According to the sticky which you should probably read thoroughly:

Rent Increase

"The rent cannot be increased during the fixed term, unless:-
• the tenancy agreement allows for rent increases; or
• the tenant agrees to a rent increase."