MONEY man Martin Lewis has revealed how renters can claw thousands back from a rule-breaking landlord.
On tonight’s housing special, the money-saving expert dives into what rights tenants have against landlords.
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He also interviews a renting expert and someone who says they were given a substandard home that didn’t meet their contract.
Lewis‘ tip is for those in London to check if the home they rent has been properly licensed.
They can do so through the London.gov.uk website.
If the landlord has not followed the rules, the renters could be owed thousands of pounds of back rent.
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Secondly, he suggests those struggling to pay their rent could be able to get help by checking for benefits or applying for a local council payment.
Doing those could save a renter thousands of pounds.
Joy wrote into the show and asked whether it was legal for her son’s landlord to increase his rent 71 per cent and increase the deposit.
“That seems outrageous to me,” says Lewis.
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Nadeem Khan, the operations manager at Shelter, says it is illegal for a landlord to increase the bond during the tenancy agreement.
But, rent can be increased if there is a rent review clause in the contract.
“After the fixed term, the only way the rent can be increased is by a legal notice, but you’ve got the right to appeal that notice to a tribunal.”
Khan says that Shelter has letter templates and instructions on how people can go to court or a tribunal on their website.
Sharon Russell in Aberdeen asked Martin whether she was within her right to end a tenancy early without losing her deposit.
She says the property was advertised as furnished but the bed, fridge, and freezer were broken.
Khan says if a renter has been misled, they can unwind the agreement and advises people to do it in writing.
If that’s within the first month, they should get their full money back.
Lewis says: “I’m guessing here again, if they say ‘get lost’ then you have to go to court?”
Khan agrees, but says it’s always best to enter into negotiating then go to court later.
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Russell says she hasn’t received her deposit back, but Khan says it will be protected by the government and she could claim compo.
Lewis also revealed on tonight’s show how those coming off fixed mortgages could save thousands.
What are your eviction rights?
According to housing charity Shelter, landlords and letting agents must follow correct procedures to evict tenants.
Currently, landlords have to give you 14 days notice before serving you an eviction notice period.
Once you’ve been served this eviction notice, you have a two-month period before court action can be started against you.
After this period is up, your landlord has four months to take you to court.
But it’s an illegal eviction if your landlord or anyone acting on their behalf:
- forces you to leave by threatening or harassing you
- kicks you out or uses physical force to make you leave
- stops you from getting into parts of your home
- changes the locks while you’re out
If your landlord does take you to court, you could also end up being liable for some of the costs
Also, charities like Shelter and Citizens Advice might also be able to offer some assistance.
Legal aid could also help if you have a serious housing problem.
If you are on benefits or have a low income you could get:
- telephone advice from civil legal advice
- an appointment with a legal advisor or solicitor
- help at a possession hearing from a court duty advisor
You can also get help with stopping or delaying eviction, court action for mortgage repossession and illegal eviction and harassment.
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