rental law, tenants

[andreww]

4 of us were just about to sign a contact on a new rental property tomorrow, we have just been informed that the rent has increased by 20%, this is 72hours before we were supposed to move into the property, all old contacts on properties have been terminated etc. I know this is unethical, but legally, where do we stand? thanks

[kinell]

A point to note in future.

Dont 'burn your bridges' by cancelling one deal defore signing for the new one that you prefer.

It might be unethical but like house purchase gazumping, you havent signed a contract yet.

Life can be tough.

[andreww]

^^
the 'intention to sign' act has been quoted to me, does this ring a bell? ive searched for its legal standing, but cant find it anywhere! oh well, looks like another kick in the balls for the little guy :(

[Twenty20]

I'd advise you to walk away from it. If the LL or agent was intent on putting the rent up then you should have been advised of this beforehand. You might find if youre firm about it and walk away then they'll back down but do you want to live in a property with a LL or agent who tries it on like that anyway?

If you are already in a property then speak to your LL or agent about staying on for an extra week or two while you find another property. They can't evict you within that period anyway as it takes months.

[jen78]

Unless you can show a prior agreement (offer and acceptance on certain terms and reliance thereon to your detriment) which could constitute a contract you can rely on then unllikely. Even if so then the fact you hadn't signed a tenancy agreement would be likely to rebu any presumption of a previous agreement.

You should have signed the new contract before terminating the old one I'm afraid.

[Martiens]

Short and sweet - you have no leg to stand on! If you were in the USA, had some spare dollars and a cunning solicitor you could go on the pretext of an verbal undertaking if you have witnesses. Dont think in the UK...