A couple in Brighton has shared their story of being evicted from their home after their landlord increased the rent by 12%, which they believe to be illegal. Daisy and Ramona, both in their 20s, had signed a contract limiting rent increases to 5% per year. However, their landlord chose to ignore this agreement and instead doubled the permitted increase. In response, the couple cited their contract, only to be served with a Section 21 notice, giving them just two months to vacate the property with no reason provided.
Rising Rents and Spiralling Demand in Brighton
Brighton is experiencing a housing crisis with one-third of homes privately let, giving it the second-highest proportion of private renters in the UK after London. As a result, landlord behavior has led to skyrocketing rents and a high demand for housing. The government announced plans to abolish Section 21 in May 2022, which allows landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. However, this move has led to a surge in evictions before the new law takes effect, according to Citizens Advice, which has seen a rise in calls related to this issue.
Landlords Blame Legislation for Eviction Decisions
One landlord, Andrew, spoke to the BBC and explained that he intends to sell his rental properties due to the upcoming abolition of Section 21. He claims that he is losing money every month and that the changes in legislation have prompted many landlords to accelerate their plans to sell and issue eviction notices now. This highlights the financial strain faced by some landlords in reaction to new regulation.
Seeking Help with High Rent Costs
If you are concerned about high rent costs or need advice regarding your landlord, you can contact organizations such as Shelter, Citizens Advice, or Housing Advice NI in Northern Ireland. These agencies can provide assistance and information about potential entitlements to help cover rent if you have a low income. Additionally, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit or housing cost payments through Universal Credit if you receive benefits. It is also important to know your rights regarding rent increases and understand the rules your landlord must follow, such as fair rent regulations.
Can My Landlord Increase My Rent?
Your landlord does have the ability to increase your rent, but there are guidelines they must follow. The type of tenancy you have will determine when and how your landlord can raise the rent. For periodic tenancies, where rent is paid on a weekly or monthly basis, landlords generally cannot increase the rent more than once a year without your agreement. They must provide at least one month's notice for weekly or monthly payments and six months' notice for yearly tenancies. If there is no rent review clause in your tenancy agreement or it has expired, a landlord may use a section 13 notice to propose a rent increase.
