Raising the rent (Section 13)
England · last checked 8 October 2026
Since 1 May 2026 the only way to raise the rent is a Section 13 notice on the official form (Form 4A). Rent review clauses in old agreements no longer work.
The tenant can challenge the rise at the First-tier Tribunal. The tribunal can't set a rent higher than you asked for.
Do
- Use Form 4A and give at least two months' notice.
- Keep the rise in line with similar homes nearby (the market rent).
- Keep proof of how and when you served the notice.
Don't
- Don't raise the rent more than once a year.
- Don't rely on a rent review clause in the tenancy agreement.
- Don't use a rent rise to push a tenant out. Tribunals look at market rent.
Deadlines
- Notice
- At least 2 months
- How often
- Once every 12 months
If you get it wrong
A rise that isn't done this way isn't valid, so the tenant doesn't have to pay it.
In LetSync: Write a rent increase letter from a tenant's page
Official sources
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Start freeThis guide is general information about the law in England, not legal advice. Laws and dates change, so check GOV.UK or ask a solicitor before acting on anything serious, such as asking a tenant to leave. Last checked 8 October 2026.