Rent increases, difficulties and disputes
Rent increases
For a periodic tenancy (rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month basis) you can usually only increase the rent once a year.
For a fixed-term tenancy (running for a set period) you can only increase the rent if your tenancy agreement permits this. Otherwise, you can only raise the rent when the fixed term ends.
Further information is available from GOV.UK
Financial difficulties
If your tenant is having financial troubles or falling into arrears, encourage them to speak to you about any difficulties early on. Try to be helpful and sympathetic. Encourage tenants to seek help from Citizens Advice or Shelter as soon as possible, and to practical steps for managing your rent payments.
If you are worried about your mortgage payments, visit GOV.UK for advice.
Antisocial behaviour
Dealing with a tenant who is committing antisocial behaviour can be difficult.
Landlords can reduce the risks by carrying out reference checks and ensuring the tenancy agreement is robust and clearly prohibits antisocial behaviour. You may wish to use the government's model tenancy agreement.
If your tenant is committing antisocial behaviour, we recommend you read the RLA guide to dealing with antisocial behaviour.
Settling disputes
You can often sort out disputes with your tenants without going to court:
- Speak to your tenants about your concerns.
- If this does not work, write a formal letter setting out the problem.
- Use a mediation service, which is usually cheaper and quicker than going to court.
- As a last resort, you can take your tenants to court.
Further information is available from GOV.UK