What if I have an assured shorthold tenancy?
If you have an assured shorthold tenancy, (which most private tenants do) your landlord can charge you a ‘market rent’. Market rents are the ‘going rate’ and are affected by the availability and cost of other similar accommodation in the area. If you think your rent is excessive compared to rents on similar properties in your area, you have the right to apply to the Rent Assessment Committee (RAC) during the initial fixed-term of your tenancy. However, you should bear in mind that assured shorthold tenants don’t have much protection from eviction. Your landlord may prefer to evict you legally at the end of the fixed-term rather than reduce the amount of rent they want to charge. Think carefully and get advice before taking any action. Also bear in mind that the rent assessment committee may decide to put the rent up if they think it is lower than comparable properties in the area. Many landlords will increase the rent when they renew your tenancy agreement. In reality, you don’t have v
