Our landlord’s rent increase has sent my blood pressure soaring
DEAR DEIDRE: When my landlord told me he’s going to put up the rent on our flat next month, I had a panic attack.
Our new bill will be more than we earn each month, and there’s no way we can pay it. I’m scared we’re going to end up on the street.
I’m 34 and my partner is 37. We have a seven-year-old son.
Neither of us are high earners, and the increases in bills and food costs over the past couple of years have already been super-challenging.
The rent increase will now totally wipe us out and we don’t have any savings to fall back on. But our landlord isn’t sympathetic.
He said he’s got other interested tenants, so if we don’t pay the increase we’ll have to move out.
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The council won’t help us, as we are a working family with no disabilities.
Property around my area is extortionate, but moving to a new area means finding a new school and then a long commute or a new job.
This is making me so anxious that I can’t sleep and keep hyperventilating.
DEIDRE SAYS: This situation is very stressful but there are people who can help.
Even if your landlord does end your contract – serving a Section 21 – he can’t just make you leave. You’ll get at least two months’ notice.
It’s important that you find out your rights, and if there’s anything you can do legally. You may be entitled to benefits too.
Make an appointment with Citizens Advice (advice.org.uk) and contact the housing charity shelter.org.uk (0808 800 4444).
They have information on their website about rent increases and can advise you about what to do.
It might help to read my support pack Anxiety. Do confide in your partner too, so you’re not shouldering this alone.