Renter Radar / A rent increase
A rent increase
Since 1 May 2026 there is one legal way to raise the rent on a periodic tenancy, and you can challenge an increase you think is too high.
The process your landlord must follow
The rent can be increased only through a formal section 13 notice, on the current form, giving at least 2 months' notice, and no more than once every 12 months.
Any "rent review" clause in your agreement that tries to bypass this is not valid.
Check the notice is valid
Look for: the correct form, at least 2 months' notice before the new rent starts, and that it has not been under 12 months since the last increase.
Challenge it at the tribunal
You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the new rent is due to start. The tribunal will set the rent at the market rate or the landlord's figure, whichever is lower, and cannot set it higher than the landlord proposed.