My landlord wants to increase my rent by 15% - do I have any rights here and what are my options

[Cheugy89]

I have been renting a two-bedroom flat in the Midlands for three years on a rolling monthly tenancy. My landlord has given me two months notice of a rent increase from 950 to £1095 a month. That is a 15% increase. I cannot easily afford this but I also cannot easily afford to move. What are my actual rights here and what options do I have?

[Cheeky Blake]

On a rolling monthly tenancy your landlord can propose a rent increase via a Section 13 notice which requires at minimum one month's notice. Two months notice is more than the legal minimum. You have the right to challenge the proposed increase at a First-tier Tribunal if you believe it is above the market rent for comparable properties in your area

[Grover26]

The First-tier Tribunal for property disputes in England considers market rent for comparable properties not your affordability or the landlord's costs. If 1,095 is genuinely above market rate for that flat in that area the Tribunal may set a lower rent. If it is at or below market rate they will likely set it at the proposed amount or higher

[Builder]

Do not stop paying rent during any dispute process. If you withhold rent because you dispute the increase you give the landlord grounds for eviction regardless of the merits of the rent challenge. Continue paying the existing amount and document everything in writing

[Odd Maverick]

Before the Tribunal route try negotiation first. Research comparable rentals in your area using Rightmove and Zoopla right now. If you can demonstrate that similar properties are renting for significantly less than 1,095 in your area you have a factual basis for a counter-offer. Landlords often propose a high number expecting negotiation

[BigDog92]

A Citizens Advice Bureau appointment is worth taking if you have any doubt about the process. Their housing advisers are free and understand the specific procedure for your tenancy type. The Shelter website also has a detailed guide specifically for rent increase disputes on rolling tenancies

[Wendy5]

The sad reality of the current private rental market in most of England is that even if you win at Tribunal or negotiate successfully the landlord can then serve a Section 21 notice and end the tenancy after two months. The legal protection against eviction in the current legislative environment is limited. That context matters for how hard you want to push back