Angus, a member of Living Rent Glasgow, faced an alarming situation when his flatmate moved out, and the letting agent informed him of a staggering rent increase. Angus was told that his monthly rent of £750 would shoot up to £995, an exorbitant increase of over 30%. The ultimatum was clear – agree to the hike or be forced to move out. In joint tenancies like Angus’, when one person leaves, it initiates a new tenancy, providing landlords with the opportunity to raise the rent significantly.

Understandably worried about the prospect of finding another affordable place to live, Angus took action. He sent an email to the letting agency, highlighting his membership with Living Rent Glasgow and his intent to involve other members in his case. In response, the letting agent offered a reduced increase of 20%. However, even with this concession, the new rent remained unaffordable, leaving Angus with no choice but to move out.

Determined to find a fair solution, Angus and fellow Living Rent members persisted in their negotiations with the letting agent. Despite their efforts, the agent remained unyielding. Faced with an impending rent increase that would significantly impact Angus’ housing security, he and other members decided to take further action.

A small negotiating team of Shawland-Langside members representing Living Rent Glasgow gathered outside the letting agent’s premises, aiming to persuade them to reconsider their stance.

And they succeeded! Angus and the negotiating team achieved a significant victory. Through their efforts, they managed to secure a 10% rent increase, which was 20% lower than the initial offer.

This success story reflects the growing trend of landlords exploiting legislative loopholes to impose rent hikes on tenants, leaving many with limited options – pay the increased rent or find alternative housing.

Living Rent Glasgow is actively fighting back against such practices, empowering tenants like Angus to assert their rights and secure fair and affordable housing.