I own a property which is let. What is the legal position as regards increasing the rent each year?
If there is a rent review clause in the agreement signed by your tenants you can increase the rent according to the terms of that particular clause. If there is no rent review clause you cannot vary the rent until the tenancy expires. You would have to give the tenants a clear two months’ notice and ask them to sign a new tenancy agreement at the new rent. Otherwise the tenancy would become what’s known as a periodic tenancy and you would have to wait 12 months from the date the tenancy was created. The business of letting property can be complicated I suggest you see a solicitor to ensure you comply with legal requirements.