Rent increase

life

Thanks poppy 👍

Skyla

Davidhill said:

Where i live the Landlord are just putting rent up and lot of people can not afford it and it is cost of living which is effecting. I feel the government needs to capped the rent to make it fair for both tenants and Landlord. So many house are not EPC standard and the Landlord are charging rent, where it is costingp the tenants more money in Energy.

They're putting rents up everywhere, regardless of the condition. I live in a flat with damp which causes mould on my clothes and belongings as well as rain leaking through the windows and doors. There is also no soundproofing whatsoever.
I'm worried about a new rent increase since I wouldn't be able to find the shortfall if it increases significantly since I have to survive off PIP and UC. The worry is affecting my pain levels and ME flares. It's easy to say don't worry until it happens but what can be done in this scenario? There are no other affordable homes anymore or many options if you're disabled...
I also agree about There being a cap on rent but with the cost of living that has gone through the roof...I sympathise with anyone worrying about this issue. 

Jimm_Scope

Hi @Skyla, I've also lived in a place with damp before and it's just horrible. I too strongly sympathise with everyone going through that, including yourself.

Have you spoken to the council about the issue? 

NDME

life said:

Thanks for the info @janer1967. I reported the change and sent over the new tenancy agreement. Didn't know they could change the tenancy agreement before the date it ends (march 2023). 

What does your old tenancy agreement say, with regard to changes to the agreement?  Most tenancy agreements allow for a 5% annual increase in rent or at the rate of inflation. They would usually state that fact in the agreement. They can not change this UNTIL you have your annual review. This is when the rent would usually increase. And you would normally be given 1/2/3 months notice. Just a month with social housing (I think).

Did you read and sign the NEW tenancy agreement, agreeing to the increase? If you had an agreement in place, it would have to have been adhered to until the end of that agreement, if you didn't sign the new one. 

poppy123456

NDME said:

life said:

Thanks for the info @janer1967. I reported the change and sent over the new tenancy agreement. Didn't know they could change the tenancy agreement before the date it ends (march 2023). 

What does your old tenancy agreement say, with regard to changes to the agreement?  Most tenancy agreements allow for a 5% annual increase in rent or at the rate of inflation.

There’s no cap on rent increases for privately renting. My landlord is increasing my rent this year by about 15%. That’s the biggest increase I’ve had in the past 3 years. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/rent_increases Thankfully, i was offered a social housing property and i'm moving house in 2 weeks, which is before the rent increase would have happened.

NDME said:

Did you read and sign the NEW tenancy agreement, agreeing to the increase?

If someone is on a periodic tenancy then you do not have to sign a new tenancy agreement for any rent increase.

Adrian_Scope

Ada said:

My rent is going up by £280. I am only on esa. Rent will always come first having lived on the street through out my life. Not for debt but from fear. 
I will be left with only £55 for two weeks food n feeding both pre payment meters etc etc. 
But it’s just to bad on us. Because the alternative is no home. 
Its wicked but there will always be them and us at the bottom 

I can't remember your full situation @Ada, have you tried claiming PIP and does your partner claim anything? 

poppy123456

Ada said:

My rent is going up by £280. I am only on esa. Rent will always come first having lived on the street through out my life. Not for debt but from fear. 
I will be left with only £55 for two weeks food n feeding both pre payment meters etc etc. 
But it’s just to bad on us. Because the alternative is no home. 
Its wicked but there will always be them and us at the bottom 

Hello Ada, i thought i commented on this yesterday but see i forgot to "post the comment." Did you apply for PIP? I remember advising you about this quite sometime ago. If you haven't yet done this, there's plently of members here that will help and guide you through the process and give any advice you need. I remember you claimed before but were refused.

I believe you're also claiming housing benefit for help towards your rent. That's quite a gigantic shortfall of rent you have there. Have you thought about applying for a DHP? It's not guarateed and if awarded it's only for a short period of time but definitely worth applying for.

Also, if you're in the Support Group for ESA are you aware that Universal Credit with the LCWRA element pays more than ESA Support Group? Your ESA doesn't include the SDP so you would be better off with UC. If you claimed this then you'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. You won't need to go through another work capability assessment when you first claim.

It can't be easy living off such a low amount of money, with a large shortfall of rent like you have. It's hard enough without a shortfall. LHA is increasing from April but it won't cover your whole rent still.

I'm just trying to help you with your benefits entitlement to try to make your life a little easier.

poppy123456

@bobby123 i put my name on the list in April 2023. In August 2023 i was moved up to urgent medical priority for adapted properties only. I bid on 5 properties (2 beds) because i live with my daughter. 

I was then offered the 2 bed house around begining of Dec and signed the tenancy agreement and collected the keys on 18th December.

Moving from 2 bed house to 2 bed house but the new house is bigger.

poppy123456

Ada said:

What is lcwra  @poppy and 
partner just saying I have to go through a lot to claim uc. I know you know much more than his conspiracy mates know. But his mind is made up 

Please see bibliokelpts comment above for what LCWRA is. I also agree with her that most people transfer from ESA to UC without any issues.

As for the commiments appointment at the start of your claim, you can ask for a reasonable adjustment for this and have a telephone appointment instead.

As i advised in my previous comment, because your ESA doesn't include the Severe disability premium then you'll be better off on UC because LCWRA pays more than ESA Support Group.

Here's the figures for your current ESA claim, with your partner named on the claim..

ESA couples £133.30

Support Group £44.70

Disability Income Guarantee (EDP) couples £27.90

Total weekly amount.. £205.90 ...fortnightly amount £411.80

UC calculation.. 

Standard couples allowance (25 and over) £578.82

LCWRA element £390.06

+ your housing element, which will be added onto that amount.

Total amount without housing element = £968.88/month. Don't forget to add your housing element onto that figure.

Now i will work out your ESA amount as a monthly figure so you can see the difference between the two.

£205.90 x 52 divided by 12 = £892.23/month

UC monthly amount £968.88 (please add your housing element to this amount)

£76.65/month better off by claiming UC. Not a huge amount but better off none the less.

If you claim UC then your ESA and housing benefit will continue to be paid for 2 weeks and then stop. If any part of your ESA is contributions based this will continue but be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

Please also consider claiming the DHP again. It was a very long time ago that you last claimed and your shortfall of rent is massive. The worst that can happen is they refuse.

Also for PIP please consider applying again. The same for your partner if he has health conditions that affect his daily life.

There is help out there for you and members here will gladly guide you through that process.

poppy123456

Ada said:

@poppy123456 I get £355 every x2 weeks. 
Partner has drink problems. Drinks All during the night. 11.30pm 8.30am Sleeps all day 

That's not Support Group rate for couples and it should be £411.80/fortnight. Do you have any deductions for anything at all?