It all depends on the type of
tenancy agreement that you have. If your tenancy is for a fixed term (for
example, six months) the rent cannot be increased during the fixed term unless
the agreement states that it can, or you agree to the increase. When the fixed
term ends, the landlord may ask you to sign a new tenancy agreement which
charges a higher rent.
If your tenancy is not for a
fixed term, the landlord can charge a higher rent if you agree, or if the
agreement allows for this, or by giving you the correct written notice. If the
agreement allows for an increase, it should say when and how this should
happen, for example, annually.
In some cases, you can appeal
against an increase if you think the amount of the increase is too much or if
you think the notice of the increase was not issued correctly. If you start to
pay the increased amount this means you have agreed to it and you cannot appeal
against it.
Some
tenants have very little protection against eviction and could risk losing
their homes if they disagree with the landlord about the amount of rent to be
paid.
