July 7, 2026

Rent Increases Under the Renters’ Rights Act: What You Need to Know

New rules introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act have changed how and when rent can be increased, creating a clearer and fairer process for tenants, landlords and letting agents.

Since 1st May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act has changed how rent increases work for private rented homes in England. All assured tenancies are now periodic, and private landlords and letting agents must follow a single legal process when increasing rent.

Increases to rent can occur no more than once every 12 months, rent review clauses in tenancy agreements are now invalid and can no longer be used to increase rent more often than this.

To increase rent the landlord must:

Give at least 2 months’ notice
Use the correct Section 13 Notice (Form 4A)
Increase the rent no more than once every 12 months
Wait until the tenancy has been running for at least 12 months before the first increase

Letting agents should ensure that all rent increases comply with the requirements introduced from 1st May 2026. A strong understanding of the rental increase process is essential to ensure any increase is lawful and compliant with the Renters’ Rights Act. Agents should work collaboratively with the landlords they represent, providing clear guidance throughout the process and maintaining timely communication to help ensure rent increases are introduced correctly, fairly and in line with current legislation.

Tenants can challenge a notice to increase the rent if they believe it is invalid.

A Section 13 notice may not be valid if:

The tenant was not given at least 2 months’ notice.
The proposed start date is incorrect.
The wrong form has been used.
The increase has been proposed within 12 months of the last qualifying increase.

Tenants also have a right to challenge if they believe that a proposed increase to the rent is unfair and not consistent with local market rents for similar properties.

Before the increase takes effect, they should:

Speak to the landlord or letting agent.
Try to negotiate a lower increase.
Compare rents for similar properties in the local area.
If an agreement cannot be reached, an application to the First-tier Tribunal to determine the appropriate market rent can be made by the tenant.

More information can be found by following the links below or you can Contact Us at Safe Suffolk Renters.