Sarah* had been living with a friend in the same rental flat in south-west London for the past three years. But when she came to renew her tenancy this June, the agency asked for an extra £217 a month – a staggering 14% increase.
The 26-year-old tried to negotiate, citing a multitude of problems – from an ongoing mice infestation to security issues with the flat’s shared entrance. Within 30 minutes of her email, the agent had advertised the property on RightMove, ready to be snapped up by the highest bidder. The landlord would not negotiate the price, she was told, leaving her with no choice but to pay up, or move out.
