COVENTRIANS have been encouraged to know their rights after the city council’s housing enforcement team reported a recent rise in complaints regarding rent increases.
In one recent case, a landlord attempted to increase the rent by 100 per cent, although most cases have seen smaller rises attempted.
A landlord is only allowed to increase rent once a year by issuing a Section 13 notice or giving an extended fixed-term contract, which in both cases tenants can refuse.
The council is advising people not to pay increased rent if they have not been given the appropriate paperwork.
They should also contact the council as soon as a rent increase is suggested.
In order to legally evict someone, a landlord must serve a valid notice to the tenant and then if needed, obtain a possession order from the court, and tenancies do not automatically finish at the end of a fixed term.
The council’s property licensing and housing enforcement manager Adrian Chowns said: “People faced with the threat of eviction and homelessness is a daunting prospect.
“We know the impact this has on people and families.
“In some cases landlords are giving tenants the ultimatum to pay the increased rent or be evicted.
“This is wrong. We want to support tenants as much as possible.”
Anyone who feels they have been illegally evicted, harassed or want advice about landlord rent increases can email [email protected] for more.
