Understanding Rent Increases and Reviews
Rent increases and rent reviews are important parts of renting a home in the UK. A rent increase is when your landlord raises the amount you pay for your property. A rent review is a formal process where the rent is re-examined, often according to terms set out in your tenancy agreement.
Rent increases usually happen at certain points in your tenancy. For fixed-term tenancies, landlords can only raise rent at the end of the fixed period, unless your agreement allows for reviews during the term. For periodic (rolling) tenancies, rent can be increased at regular intervals, but strict notice rules must be followed.
The law sets clear rules on how and when landlords can increase rent. These rules are designed to protect tenants from sudden or unfair increases. Landlords must give proper notice and follow the correct procedure. If you think a rent increase is unfair, you have the right to challenge it.
Understanding your rights is key to avoiding unlawful rent changes. For a wider look at rent payments and legal protections, see our guide on Paying Rent: Legal Overview for Tenants and Landlords in the UK. You can also learn more about your rights as a tenant in our Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
When and How Can Landlords Increase Rent?
Landlords can usually increase rent at specific times, depending on the type of tenancy agreement in place. For most tenants, rent is often reviewed at the end of a fixed-term tenancy, usually when the contract is renewed. If you’re on a rolling or periodic tenancy, landlords can propose a rent increase at certain intervals, but strict rules apply.
To raise the rent, landlords must follow legal procedures. For assured shorthold tenancies in England, they typically need to use a formal notice, such as a Section 13 notice, to propose a rent increase. The law sets out how much notice must be given – usually at least one month for periodic tenancies. Different rules may apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
There are limits on how and when rent can be increased. The increase must be fair and in line with local market rates. Landlords cannot raise rent whenever they like or by any amount. If you feel a proposed increase is unfair, you have the right to challenge it. For a detailed explanation of the rules for assured tenants, see Shelter Legal England – Statutory rules for rent increases for assured tenants – Shelter England.
If you want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord, visit our guide to Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
When a landlord wants to increase the rent, they must follow strict notice requirements set by law. The amount of notice depends on the type of tenancy agreement. For most assured shorthold tenancies, landlords must give at least one month’s written notice before the new rent starts. For periodic tenancies that run monthly or weekly, the notice period is usually the same as the rental period, but never less than one month.
The notice must be served in the correct way. This often means using a special form, such as a Section 13 notice for assured periodic tenancies. The notice should include the proposed new rent, the date it will begin, and information about how the tenant can challenge the increase if they think it is unfair.
Different rules may apply for fixed-term tenancies or other types of agreements. For more details on the legal background, see our guide to Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
For a full breakdown of the notice requirements and official forms, visit the government’s Private renting: Rent increases – GOV.UK page.
What To Do If You Think a Rent Increase is Unfair
If you believe your rent increase is unfair, you have the right to challenge it. UK law protects tenants from unreasonable or unlawful rent rises. The first step is to check whether the increase follows the correct legal process. This includes making sure your landlord has given you the right notice and followed all required procedures. For a step-by-step guide on how to do this, see How to Check If Your Rent Increase Is Legal in the UK.
If you find the increase is too high or does not follow the rules, you can take action. Start by talking to your landlord. Sometimes, a calm conversation can lead to a compromise or a more manageable rent amount. If you cannot reach an agreement, you have the right to formally challenge the increase. Our guide on How to Challenge a Rent Increase: Your Rights and Next Steps Explained walks you through the process, including how to present your case and what to expect.
For further support, you can turn to organisations like Citizens Advice. They offer practical help and can explain your options in detail. Visit their page on Challenging a rent increase – Citizens Advice for more information.
If you want to understand more about your rights as a tenant and the wider legal context, read our overview of Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
Handling Rent Increases: Practical Advice for Tenants
When you receive notice of a rent increase, it’s important to plan ahead. Start by reviewing your monthly budget to see how the higher rent will affect your finances. Make a list of your regular expenses and look for areas where you might be able to cut back. This can help you manage the extra cost and avoid falling behind.
Next, update your standing order or payment method to reflect the new rent amount. If you pay by bank transfer, double-check the details and set reminders so you don’t miss a payment. For more guidance on how to pay rent safely and on time, visit our page on how to pay rent in the UK.
If you’re worried about affording the increased rent, don’t ignore the problem. Speak to your landlord as soon as possible. Explain your situation honestly and see if you can agree on a payment plan or a smaller increase. Good communication can often prevent misunderstandings and help you avoid more serious issues.
Should you find it difficult to pay, there are support options available. Learn more about help with paying rent and where to get advice if you’re struggling. If you miss a payment or pay late, it’s important to know what could happen next – read about missed or late rent payments and your rights.
Falling behind on rent can lead to arrears, which may have serious consequences. Our guide on unpaid rent and rent arrears explains what to do if this happens and how to protect your rights.
Always check your tenancy agreement to understand what the landlord can and cannot do regarding rent increases. The model agreement for a shorthold assured tenancy – GOV.UK is a useful reference for typical terms and conditions. For a broader understanding of your legal position as a tenant, see our overview of renting law in the UK.
Additional Information and Resources
Understanding the full picture of rent increases means looking beyond just the rent itself. Many tenants also pay service charges or utility bills as part of their tenancy. These extra costs can sometimes change, so it’s important to know what you are responsible for and how these charges work. For more details, see our guide on Service Charges and Utility Bills Explained for Tenants.
Keeping accurate records is just as important. Both landlords and tenants should keep track of all rent payments and any changes. This helps avoid disputes and ensures everyone knows where they stand. Learn about legal requirements and best practices in Rent Books for Landlords: Legal Requirements and Tips.
There may be rare situations where you are allowed to withhold rent, such as if your landlord is not carrying out essential repairs. However, this is a serious step and should only be taken after understanding your rights and the correct process. Find out more in When Can You Legally Withhold Rent From Your Landlord?.
Unfortunately, some tenants have encountered scams, especially when it comes to rent increases or fake notices. Always double-check the legitimacy of any rent change and never share personal details with anyone you do not trust. For practical advice on staying safe, visit Spotting and Avoiding Scams: Legal Overview for the UK.
If you want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, our overview of Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview is a helpful starting point.
If you have questions about your rent, need help challenging an unfair increase, or want to draft a letter to your landlord, Contend’s AI Legal Assistant can help. Get clear, personalised answers, guidance on your next steps, and help creating documents tailored to your situation – all in plain English.
