Rent Increases & Section 13 Notices
Landlord Solicitors

A Section 13 notice (also called a "notice of increase of rent") is the statutory mechanism by which landlords can increase rent on a periodic tenancy. It is served under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. The notice must be in the prescribed form, give the correct notice period, and specify the new rent and the date from which it takes effect. Informal rent increases — such as simply asking the tenant to pay more — are not legally effective under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (in force from 1 May 2026), landlords must give at least 2 months' notice of a rent increase using a Section 13 notice. The notice must be served before the start of the new rental period in which the increase is to take effect. The previous rule (which allowed 1 month's notice for monthly tenancies) no longer applies to new tenancies.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords can only increase rent once per year using the Section 13 notice procedure. There is no cap on the amount of the increase, but the new rent must be at or below the market rent for the property. Tenants can challenge a rent increase they consider above market rent by applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Yes. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants can refer a Section 13 notice to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if they consider the proposed rent is above the market rent for the property. The Tribunal will determine the market rent and set the new rent accordingly. Landlords should ensure any proposed increase is justifiable by reference to comparable market rents.

No. For periodic tenancies, rent can only be increased using the Section 13 notice procedure (or by agreement with the tenant, documented in writing). Informal requests for higher rent, or simply charging more without following the correct procedure, are not legally effective. The tenant is not obliged to pay the higher amount and the landlord cannot rely on non-payment of the increased rent as grounds for possession.

An incorrectly served Section 13 notice is invalid and the rent increase does not take effect. Common errors include: using the wrong form, giving insufficient notice, specifying the wrong date, or failing to serve on all joint tenants. We advise landlords on serving Section 13 notices correctly to avoid delays and disputes.