Updating post from Reddit.
Tenant was with us on a 12 month tenancy agreement. Then asked for a 6month. (We normal dont do 6 months tenancy) As he said he was moving. We agreed. Rent was increased by 1%
2 months before the end, we asked him if he was moving out or wanted to sign a new tenancy. Absolutely no replies to any of queries. We sent some info about checking out etc. Again nothing. Section 21 posted. we phoned him about viewing and he finally answers , asks for 6 months again. Which is fine. We informed him of a 0.5% (not 5%) rent increase
He didn't sign any doc provided to him, (deposit, tenancy agreement etc) again ignoring any emails. in final week he is saying he is not agreeing to the rent increase.
Because the amount is so small we will continue at the old price. The increase was to cover the cost of the dpc and a fraction of my time.
He also lied twice about communicating with us. (Which was not necessary at all)
Apart from that, he's been fine.
I guess i need to add or adjust the clause about increasing rent after 6 months.
If the tenant refuses the rent increase again, what would be the best practise. I'm assuming section 21 would not be available in future.
Serve a notice of rent increase, it requires no agreement from the tenant, they have to actively dispute it with the tribunal.
Also, don't tell the tenant that it's to recover expense of maintaining the property, that might work against you if they do dispute it.
Have you issued a Section 13 notice?
You don't need to get the tenant to "agree" to a rent increase, though they have the right to have it reviewed.
They are been hard work over a 1% and 0.5% increase. I’d serve notice whilst you can. I would also check the going rate in your area and increase accordingly via a section 13. Even if that’s 10%. No offence, but your been a bit of a pushover here, and people will continue to take advantage of that. Make sure you’ve done everything correctly to avoid delays, check in reports, EICR,EPC, gas cert, deposit etc.
Perfect answer
Serve him notice. You don’t need the stress. No excuse to not replying. Doesn’t take much to text back at least, even if you’re busy.
First, I would want to know why they are ignoring, why they want six months, and why they are disputing a mere 1% (!!!) increase... would they prefer 5 or 15??
If they are going to be difficult, continue with that s21 and say goodbye to them.
Or if he refuses to sign anything, implement a section 13 revised increase of 5%: they clearly aren't tenants in good faith.
The positive thing is that if he only signs a 6 month contract, you can increase the rent every six months until he leaves.
I’m wondering why LL would even bother with a 1% or 0.5% (!) increase. Not worth the hassle
If they are being difficult over a 0.5% rent increase get them out now! Do it before S21 vanishes. this is exactly the type of tenant that will cost you money/ sanity.
Its the lies... over something as trivial as this, just imagine the whoppers that will come out when they have not paid the rent for 6 months & have shelter supporting them in court. You will be Satan incarnate...