The ‘key steps’ tenants should take when facing an rent increase

If this is the case, people are able to continue paying the rent at the existing rate without repercussions. 

However, Ms Bell added: “If you were to pay the increased rent, even once, the landlord may be able to argue that you have agreed to the increase, in which case it will be binding. This is the case, even if nothing has explicitly been said between you both.” 

Ms Bell urges people to continue paying their current level of rent even if they plan to challenge it. If a person falls into rent arrears it could allow a landlord to bring possession proceedings against the tenant and could ultimately just lead to eviction from the property alongside a large debt. 

In June last year, the Government published its white papers for its Renters Reform Bill which outlined the plan to ban Section 21 notices or the “no-fault evictions”.

It said the measure aimed to give tenants “piece of mind” and “ease the financial burden” of moving costs and emergency repairs when faced with eviction.

However, Ms Bell stated that the Government is “dragging its feet” with the measure as renters now face the “valid fear” of losing their home and those who are struggling to meet their bills are now having to make the choice between “a roof, food and heat” and that “no one living in modern times” should have to make this choice.