Through coming together with other members of Living Rent, Areej won back £6600 after an illegal rent increase.
Areej first came into contact with Living Rent when we knocked on her door and asked what she'd like to change about her housing or local area.
Areej and her three children have been living in their flat since 2021. Their problems began in 2023 when the landlord informed her that they wanted to sell the property and asked them to leave. At the time, Areej was nearing the completion of my PhD, a crucial and demanding stage of her studies. The landlord was aware of her circumstances, including the fact that she is a mother of three children and that her husband works outside the UK. Faced with the possibility of losing our home during such a challenging period, Areej tried to find a solution that would allow her family to remain in the property while she completed her PhD and searched for alternative accommodation.
The outcome was that they were allowed to stay, but the landlord insisted that Areej pay hundreds of pounds extra every month on top of the rent, outside the tenancy agreement, and to the landlord directly rather than through the agency.
Although she immediately began looking for another home, finding suitable housing for a family of four proved extremely difficult. Options were limited for a single mum and full time student. As a result, they remained in the property and continued paying the increased rent. The uncertainty placed significant pressure on the family financially. She struggled to cope with the cost, as well as the stress of not knowing whether we would be able to secure another home.
After joining Living Rent, Areej was able to challenge the rent increase by going to the letting agency and making them take action against the landlord. They were able to recover £6600 that had been charged outside the terms of the contract.
Areej said "Living Rent’s support made a real difference to my family and helped us stand up for our rights as tenants at a time when we felt vulnerable and uncertain.
This experience showed me how easily tenants can find themselves in difficult situations, particularly families with children who are already balancing work, education, and caring responsibilities. It also demonstrated the importance of organisations like Living Rent in helping people understand their rights and take action when those rights are not respected."
