What rules apply to rent increases in England?

In England, rent increases for assured periodic tenancies must follow the statutory section 13 process. We cannot simply raise the rent by writing a new amount into an email or relying on an automatic rent review clause.

The main rules

• Rent normally cannot be increased during the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
• After that, an increase can take effect no more than once every 12 months.
• We must provide the prescribed Form 4A with at least two months’ notice.
• The proposed rent should be supported by local market conditions.
• You can ask the First-tier Tribunal to decide a fair market rent if you believe the increase is excessive.

You should review the notice as soon as you receive it. The tribunal challenge process has deadlines, so do not assume that raising a query with us automatically suspends them.

You must keep paying the rent legally due while any review or challenge is dealt with.

Find more information in the official renters’ rights guidance.