Landlord guidance on rent increases for assured periodic tenancies

Landlords can review rents to reflect changes in the local rental market, inflation, costs and property improvements.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 sets out the process landlords must follow when increasing rent for private assured tenancies.

Increasing rent

If you want to increase the rent you charge for a property, you must:

• use a section 13 rent increase notice (form 4A)
• give your tenant at least 2 months' notice
• only increase the rent once in a 12-month period
• make sure the notice contains the correct tenant, property and rent details
• make sure the proposed increase date is correct

If the correct process is not followed, the notice may not be valid and the rent increase may not take effect.

Deciding on a new rent

Before serving a section 13 notice, you should research rents for similar properties in the local area. You should also consider the size, location and condition of the property, including any improvements or deterioration since the tenancy began.

If you need to justify the rent you're proposing, use evidence of what similar properties are actually being rented for. This is more useful than advertised rents alone.

If your tenant disagrees with the increase

You may want to discuss the proposed increase with your tenant after serving the notice, as they may have concerns about affordability, the condition of the property or how the proposed rent compares with similar properties.

If you reach an agreement, confirm it in writing so you and your tenant have a clear record of the agreed rent.

If your tenant challenges the increase

A tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if they believe the proposed rent is too high. The tribunal will determine the open market rent based on evidence provided by both parties.

The tribunal may consider:

• rents agreed for similar properties
• the condition and features of the property
• information provided by you and your tenant

The tribunal may determine a lower rent than the amount you have proposed.

A tenant must apply to the tribunal before the proposed rent increase date shown on the section 13 notice. If they apply, the proposed increase will not normally become payable until the tribunal has made its decision.