Your landlord will only be able to raise your rent once per year and must send you the notice of a proposed rent increase on a specific 'Section 13' form. They cannot raise rent in the first 12 months of your tenancy.

If your rent is due monthly or weekly, the landlord must give you at least 1 month's notice. The notice period increases if you pay rent quarterly or yearly. If you think the rent increase is too much, you can challenge it by applying for a Rent Tribunal. The Council doesn't have legal powers to set or challenge rent on your behalf. We advise that you check websites like Zoopla and Rightmove to see what the current market rent for similar properties is. The Shelter website is a very good source of advice on the process, and tenants can obtain legal advice.

If you are pressured to accept the rent increase or leave the property, it could be considered harassment or an attempt to illegally evict you. Landlords or agents cannot evict assured tenants for challenging a rent increase. If you experience this, please report it to us at privatesectorhousing@warwickdc.gov.uk

Rent arrears and financial advice

If you are worried about rent arrears or the cost of living and would like support, there are several specialist providers on hand to help with sensitive, non-judgemental advice. They can assist with debt advice and other financial assistance you may be entitled to. The key is to seek help and advice as early as you can.

• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) - 0800 144 8848 (10am to 3pm weekdays)
• The Money Advice Service – 0800 138 7777 (8am to 6pm weekdays)
• Shelter – 0808 800 4444 (8am to 8pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm on weekends)

Universal Credit - CAB have a Help to Claim service which can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application through to your first payment. It’s free, independent, confidential, and impartial. They have online advice about claiming Universal Credit or you can contact an adviser through their free national Help to Claim phone service, 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday on 0800 144 8 444  Alternatively, you can make your application directly online.

Council Tax Reduction - The amount of reduction that you may receive will depend on your circumstances and how much Council Tax you pay. For further information and advice, visit our website for the online entitlement calculator and application form.

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) - If you are struggling to pay the rent and need temporary help, DHP could be available to cover the shortfall between your benefits and rent. Each application is considered on its own individual circumstances, in particular the effect the shortfall in the housing element of Universal Credit would have on the household. For further information and the application form, visit our benefits section.

Cost of Living - our webpage covers all sources of help we are aware of for daily living costs, including bills, food, childcare costs and many more.

Rent repayment order

If you are looking to rent a property with friends or a room in a shared house, check the licence. Properties housing three or more tenants from two or more households (3 unrelated sharers or a couple plus a friend) require a licence. If the landlord failed to apply for or maintain the licence, you can apply for a 'Rent Repayment Order' for the return of up to 2 years' rent through an application to the First Tier Property Tribunal. Shelter have helpful information on the process and links to the application forms.

There are a number of other offences where you may be eligible to apply for a rent repayment order, including:

• Using force to enter the property unlawfully
• Unlawful eviction or harassment of occupiers
• Failure to comply with an 'Improvement Notice' 
• Failure to comply with a 'Prohibition Order'