If you want to increase the rent
You must:
- go to the assured tenancy forms page on GOV.UK. Download and use Form 4A.
- Give the tenant at least two months’ notice.
This is known as the Section 13 process.
Limits on rent increases
- Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
- Rent cannot be increased in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
If the tenant disagrees with the increase
A tenant can apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if they disagree with a rent increase. But they must apply before the new rent starts.
The First-tier Tribunal is an independent panel that decides if the rent is reasonable. It will:
- compare the property with similar homes in the area
- look at evidence from both the landlord and the tenant.
Under the new rules, the Tribunal cannot:
- set the rent higher than the amount the landlord asked for
- backdate the rent increase.
Find out more about the First-tier Tribunal on GOV.UK.
If you have concerns
If you have concerns about how a rent increase is affecting:
- communication with your tenant, or
- the stability of the tenancy