How Rent Increases Worked Before 1 May 2026

Before 1 May 2026, the method used depended on the type of tenancy. 

For fixed term tenancies, rent could be reviewed through a rent review clause included in the tenancy agreement.  Alternatively, after the fixed term ended, rent changes could be made by mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant. 

For periodic tenancies, rent increases were typically carried out using a formal process known as a Section 13 Notice, which allowed landlords to propose a new rent once a year. 

How Rent Increases Work Now

Section 6 of the Act introduced a single, standardised method for increasing the rent of a private assured tenancy in England: the Section 13 procedure, using the prescribed Form 4A. Since 1 May 2026, the rent can only be increased by a Section 13 Notice (or by agreement following a tribunal decision), and rent review clauses in tenancy agreements have no effect. 

A rent increase can take effect no more than once every 52 weeks, and landlords must give tenants at least two months' notice.  

Understanding The Section 13 Notice

A Section 13 Notice is a prescribed form that landlords must use to propose a rent increase. The notice requires details of the tenancy, the current rent amount and the proposed new rent.

Challenging A Proposed Rent Increase

Under Section 7 of the Act a tenant can challenge a rent increase to the First-Tier Tribunal who can order the following:

• Reduce the rent if the rent is above the market value
• If a Tribunal upholds the landlords proposed rent, the increase cannot be backdated. 
• Delay the rent increase by up to two months if a tenant faces undue hardship. 

Rent Increases And Renewing a Residential Tenancy 

Landlords can access a range of professional resources to assist with rent reviews and Renewing a Residential Tenancy within Property.