Rent Increase

Other

One of my properties was bought October last year (2007) with a tenant in-situ with a valid AST at £60 per week since the tenancy started October 2004. He was and still is paying only £60 pw and I need to increase it.

I can serve the S13(2)but my dilemna is as follows:

I need to increase the rent substantially. He was getting part benefit, now it seems he is 100% benefit rent. If I increase his rent substantially to cover my costs to say £85 pw then he is technically allowed this as benefit under the Local Rent Allowance scheme as a one bed requirement (tho the property is a two bed. The council advised that he should cease his current benefit, restart (losing just one week) and they will then pay the new allowance.

However, I am worried that the council might refuse as this is a large increase although long overdue and the huse was n ot bought in the best condition, but the tenant does not want us to refurbish it.

CONCERN: Can they then stop me terminating him as a direct result of this refusal, as I would have to determine the AST, refurb the proeprty and then let it at £100 per week.

Thanks