Increasing rent after 6 month assured shorthold period has ended

[Moneyangel22]

Hi there,

I have a rental property with tenants in at the moment who wish to stay long term. I found the tenants through an estate agent and it was them who prepared the assured shorthold tenancy agreement for the first 6 months. That period ended in December and I was told on another forum I did not need to do a new contract then as I was not changing any of the terms at that time, so the new contract just rolled on.

I have now decided I wish to increase the rent and intend to give the tenants 2 months notice. How do I do this...is it just a case of writing to them giving them notice of the rent increase? and do I need to prepare a new contract once the increase has been implemented? or will a letter stating the changes be enough?

Thanks for any advice.

[Snorkerz]

Sorry, I don't think you can increase the rent within first 52 weeks of a tenancy.

Housing Act 1988, section 13 (2)(b)(ii)

[havensRus]

Normally, its not possible to increase the rent during the fixed term (whatever the length). Unless
1. there is a rent review clause in the agreement
2. if an AST, then by use of Section 13 notice.

[Snorkerz]

Normally, its not possible to increase the rent during the fixed term (whatever the length). Unless
1. there is a rent review clause in the agreement
2. if an AST, then by use of Section 13 notice.OP is outside fixed term, but I believe the 52 weeks applies

[P.Pilcher]

Whether or not you can increase the rent using section 13 after the fixed period of the AST has ended, you can require your tenants to sign a new AST at the new rent and if they do not agree, you can give them two months notice using section 21 to remove them.

P.P.

[Preston]

OP is outside fixed term, but I believe the 52 weeks applies

If there is a valid rent review clause in the agreement then this can be relied upon regardless of whether 52 weeks have passed.