I have a tenant on a rolling contract to whom I gave intention to increase the rent with a new contract on a certain date. He responded saying he did not want to renew anyway for other reasons, so would give notice once he found a more suitable place.
He’s been a good tenant so I want to be flexible within reason, but don’t want to allow the contract to roll on indefinitely which would mean the tenant avoiding the increase by stealth as it were.
Any advice on how should I respond please?
If the increase was not by a huge amount and it would be worth keeping the tenant, I’d try to negotiate with the tenant and ask what they feel an acceptable amount would be as the current rent is not the market rate.
If they agree then you increase it, if not you roll the dice with someone new.
It may be worth issuing a Form 4 so regardless of whether the tenant agrees or not you can still get the new rent payment. Once paying the new rent, is it an issue the tenant takes their time finding anew place and giving notice?
As above, theres a better way to increase the rent, which is a s13 notice, (form 4), which can only take effect when the tenancy is periodic.