How To Increase Rent
Overview
What this guide covers
This guide explains the only legal process for increasing rent on a private tenancy in England from 1 May 2026. It covers how to check eligibility, gather evidence, complete Form 4A (Section 13 notice), serve it correctly and handle a tribunal challenge.
Who it is for
Any landlord with a private residential tenancy in England who wants to increase rent. The Renters' Rights Act converted all tenancies to periodic, so the Section 13 process now applies universally.
What this guide does not cover
- –HMO rent increases (different rules may apply)
- –Rent increases in Wales or Scotland (different legislation)
- –Negotiating rent with a new tenant before a tenancy starts
Before you start, you will need:
- ·The tenant's full legal name as it appears on the tenancy agreement
- ·The date rent is due each month
- ·The date of the last rent increase (or tenancy start date if never increased)
- ·Access to Rightmove, Zoopla or local letting agent listings for comparable properties
When To Use This Guide
Use this guide when:
- ✓You want to increase rent on an existing tenancy
- ✓It has been at least 12 months since the last increase
- ✓You are ready to serve formal notice
Do not use this guide if:
- ✗You are setting rent for a new tenancy — agree the figure before signing, no notice needed
- ✗You increased rent less than 12 months ago — you must wait
- ✗Your tenant has already challenged a previous notice at tribunal and it has not yet concluded