As a landlord in England, you have the legal right to increase your tenant's rent — but only if you follow the correct procedure. Getting it wrong can invalidate the increase entirely, cause disputes, or even land you in an awkward legal situation. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know for 2025.
What the Law Says
The rules governing rent increases depend on whether your tenant is on a fixed-term tenancy or a periodic tenancy. The Renters (Reform) Act, which came into force in 2025, has also introduced several important changes landlords must be aware of.
Landlords can only increase rent once per year for periodic tenancies, and must give at least two months' written notice using the correct prescribed form.
Fixed-Term Tenancies
If your tenant is still within a fixed-term tenancy, you generally cannot increase the rent until the fixed term ends — unless your tenancy agreement contains a specific rent review clause that allows for it.
Periodic Tenancies
For periodic tenancies, you can propose a rent increase at any time, but you must:
- Give at least two months' written notice for monthly tenancies
- Use a Section 13 notice (Form 4) — the official prescribed form
- Only propose one increase per 52-week period
- Ensure the increase is in line with market rates for similar properties
The Section 13 Process Step-by-Step
Using a Section 13 notice is the legally correct way to increase rent for most assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England.
Step 1 — Complete Form 4
Download the official Form 4 from the government website. Fill in the property address, current rent, proposed new rent, and the date the new rent will take effect. The proposed start date must be at least two months away from the date you serve the notice.
Step 2 — Serve the Notice Correctly
You can serve the notice by hand, first class post, or email (if your tenancy agreement permits). Keep a copy and proof of postage. If posting, allow additional days for delivery.
In 2024, over 95% of rent increase challenges at tribunal were resolved without the landlord needing to reduce their proposed figure significantly.
Common Mistakes Landlords Make
- Using an informal letter instead of the prescribed Form 4
- Not giving enough notice — two full calendar months is required
- Proposing a backdated start date for the increase
- Attempting to increase rent more than once in a 12-month period
- Including utility bills in the new rent figure without a clear breakdown
Need Help Managing Your Rent Reviews?
LetBritain™ includes rent review tools and document templates in our Everything You Need and Full Management packages. Our legal library contains the latest versions of all prescribed forms, updated for 2025 legislation.
