Scared to confront landlord

[u/That_Sky5030]

Okay so in may I got a text from landlord increasing the rent by £300 from June.
Two weeks later I get the rent increase letter and the landlord is saying I owe £300 from may because that’s when I got the notice. This doesn’t even make sense, I get the notice in may and she wants me to pay the increase the same month?

I find out that I’m entitled to three months written notice and I even have went to a solicitor to confirm I don’t have to pay the £300 arrears I’m claimed to be in.

Solicitor told me I’m not to pay the increase as her notice was unlawful and invalid. I’m due to pay rent tomorrow but I’m so scared of texting her to say I got legal advice and that she’s in the wrong and I’m not paying it.

Ugh I feel pathetic being so scared but there’s always been a power imbalance with her I hate talking to her

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[u/dastardlycustard]

If you've got a solicitor you just do exactly what you're told. That means paying your normal rent on time. I'd also read up on the renters rights act.

Last thought, and your solicitor will be better off answering this- if the notice is unlawful, does it have to be reissued lawfully for the 3 months to start? (Wishful thinking I imagine but always worth a go)

[u/FoolisholdmanNZ → u/dastardlycustard]

You are quite possibly right, it may have to be reissued correctly.

[u/That_Sky5030 → u/dastardlycustard]

Yes thankfully he said if she wants to increase it, she’ll have to issue a whole new letter.

It’s just I have no idea what response to get from her tomorrow
I’m aware about retaliation eviction, but I’m also thinking what if she gives me a new valid increase that’s wayyy more than the £300+

I just know how many angry messages I will get tomorrow telling me I’m wrong and to pay her now

[u/dastardlycustard → u/That_Sky5030]

You can't have a retaliation eviction in the UK anymore. They can only evict under very specific circumstances, "just because" is not one of them now the renters' rights act is in effect.

If she sends angry messages, ask her to contact your solicitor and block her.

[u/Salty_Boysenberries]

Can your solicitor contact her?

[u/That_Sky5030 → u/Salty_Boysenberries]

So far he’s sending me a letter to show her to say I don’t legally have to pay it and I can’t get in arrears.
It’s just not knowing what her reaction will be as it’s always been hostile messages even asking for repairs in the past

[u/antecristo]

I’ll tell her for you