Everything tenants need to know about rent rises

As a tenant, it’s important to understand the rules around rent increases, including when your landlord can raise the rent, how often they can do it, and what notice you should get.

What is a rent increase for tenants?

For tenants, a rent increase (or rent rise) is when a landlord asks to put up the amount of rent you pay during your tenancy.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, there are certain rules and processes that landlords must follow if they want to increase the price of rent during a tenancy.

Why might my rent go up?

Before the Renters’ Rights Act, most rental agreements in England were Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST), which usually had a fixed term of six or twelve months. At the end of this fixed term, the rent price might be reviewed or the tenancy could end. Some longer tenancies also included rent review clauses, which set out the mechanism for the rent rise.

Most tenancies are now Assured Periodic Tenancies (APT) which don’t have a fixed term. This means that tenants can stay in the property for much longer periods without the tenancy agreement being renewed for a fixed period.

Over time, a landlord may feel they need a rent rise to reflect rising costs of maintaining and managing the property, changes in mortgage interest rates or increases in local market rents.

The Renters’ Rights Act and rent increases

The Renters’ Rights Act is a piece of legislation aimed at creating a fairer rental market for tenants.

The Act brought in new rules around rent increases from 1st May 2026 which dictate how often a landlord can raise the rent and the process they need to follow, including using the correct form of notice and giving tenants a minimum notice period.

How often can my rent be increased in the UK?

In England, for assured periodic tenancies, your landlord can only increase the rent once in any 12 month period. This rule was introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act from 1 May 2026, which means your rent should not usually be put up more than once a year.

If you have a different type of tenancy, or you’re not sure what type you have, it’s a good idea to check your tenancy agreement or get independent advice.

How much notice does my landlord need to give me?

Your landlord cannot simply tell you your rent is going up and expect you to start paying more straight away.

Instead, landlords must use a legal form, referred to as Form 4A and sometimes referred to as a “section 13 notice”, and the notice must give you two months before the rent rise takes effect.

What do I need to do when my rent goes up?

When you receive a rent increase notice, the first step is simply to read it carefully. Check the new amount, the date your rent will go up and whether it has been at least 12 months since the last rise.

If you are happy that the rent rise is correct and you can afford it, make sure you update your payments before the new amount is due. That might mean changing a standing order, checking a direct debit or adjusting how much you set aside each month, so the right amount leaves your account on the right date. Keeping a copy of the notice and any emails or messages about the increase is a good idea in case you need to refer to them later.

What if I’m worried I can’t afford the increase?

If you have any concerns about the increase in rent, or you’re worried you won’t be able to afford to pay it, the first step is to look at your monthly budget and work out whether you can make any adjustments to account for the increase in rent.

If you still don’t think you can afford the new price, don’t ignore it, have an honest and open conversation with your landlord or letting agent.

There is a dispute process if you don’t agree with the rent increase, but if your landlord has followed the correct process and the rent rise is in line with the market, a dispute is unlikely to change the outcome.

FAQs

What is a Section 13 notice?

A Section 13 notice is the formal, written notice a landlord must use to increase the rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England. It must be on the correct legal form (Form 4A) and must clearly show your current rent, the proposed new rent and the date the increase is meant to start.

Can I leave the property if my landlord puts the rent up?

Under an Assured Periodic Tenancy, tenants are not tied into a fixed end date. You can choose to end the tenancy at any point by giving two months’ notice.

Can my landlord backdate a rent increase?

No, a rent increase can only apply from the date set out in the valid notice that they provide to you. They must give at least two months warning before you start paying the new rent.

How do I know if my rent increase is ‘fair’ or in line with the market?

You can check this by comparing the new rent price with similar properties listed for rent in your area, by asking a local letting agent or using resources such as the HomeLet Rental Index.

Will I have to sign a new tenancy agreement when my rent goes up?

Usually, the valid rent increase notice is enough, and the landlord doesn’t need to provide a new tenancy agreement to sign. The tenancy continues at the new rent under the same terms outlined in the initial agreement.