Rent increase

[gelda]

I'm a tenant in a flat owned by a housing assosiation, all the tenants got a letter yesterday stating that as from Jan 1st our rent would be going up by �180 per month, we now at the moment pay �530, does anyone know if by law they can increase it by this much, most of the tenants have lived here for over 12 years and the rent has gone up yearly by about �40 per month, we are all pensioners and just can't afford this! I'd be very grateful if someone could give us some advice, thanks. Gelda

[Dassie]

When you moved in originally, was there an agreement you signed? I would imagine there was a clause that said something about the annual increase....perhaps it was related to some index or inflation rate.

If not I suggest you write a letter to the Association and ask why and how they can justify a increase in excess of 30%.

[Kathyan]

Some good information here:
http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-2 518.cfm

[gelda]

I see this is Scotland, does this apply to England as well? Thanks for your help both of you. Gelda

[Kathyan]

Sorry didn't notice that! I am in England and I have looked on the internet but cannot find a similar site for here. Looks like that's something else Scotland has that we don't!

[themas]

There is a "fair rent" or "registered rent" procedure for England. Ask your local authority whether it covers
Housing Association properties and if so how to go about it.

If your income is low enough for you not to be able to afford the full rent it may be that you are entitled to Housing Benefit. (This depends to some extent on your savings as well as your income.) Ask the local authority about this as well - you can get a claim form from them, & should be able to get help - from the local CAB or welfare benefit service - in making a claim.

[Kathyan]

I have just found this
http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-29 36.cfm#wipLive-8427-5

Look under Rents and Rent increases. It doesn't give that much information but, if I were you, I would contact your local council who may be able to point you in the right direction.

[gelda]

Thanks all of you for your help, I shall try and get in touch with our local council and the C.A.B. on Monday. I'll let you know how I get on. Gelda.