Rent increases
Prior to the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords with assured tenants were able to increase rents in a variety of different ways. This is no longer the case and all rent increases during an Assured Periodic Tenancy must follow a specific procedure.
From 1st May 2026, a rent increases during an Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) can only take effect if the landlord starts by serving a valid Section 13 notice to increase rent.
Any clause in the contract that automatically increases the rent from one period to another, or allows the landlord to review the rent without serving a Section 13 notice has no effect.
This page sets out the process for increasing rents after serving a Section 13 notice.
How to increase your rent the right way
A mistake on your Section 13 notice could mean months of tribunal delays. Our members get step-by-step completion notes for Form 4A, a ready-to-send covering letter and a negotiated rent agreement template to help get it right first time.
As a member, you’ll also get:
- Our expert advice line, there to talk you through any issue with your tenancy, so you’re never facing it alone.
- Our full library of tenancy agreements, letters, forms and guides, updated for the Renters’ Rights Act.
- Free Portfolio property management software.
- Free events and webinars, plus discounted training courses.
- Tax investigation insurance and our free property magazine.
- Exclusive discounts with our partners.
Rent increases in brief
- To increase the rent, landlords must first serve a Section 13 notice, giving at least two months notice.
- The rent increase may not occur until 12 months after the start of the tenancy or after the last rent determination.
- Before the notice expires, the tenant may ask the tribunal to determine a reasonable rent increase instead. Alternatively, both the tenant and the landlord can agree in writing a new rent that is lower than the amount set in the Section 13 notice.
