Rent increases for private tenants
How much can your rent go up by?
Your landlord can suggest any amount of rent increase.
There are no rent controls in a private tenancy unless you're a regulated or protected tenant.
Check your tenancy agreement for a rent review clause. This might say how much your rent can go up by.
How often can your landlord increase the rent?
Your landlord can suggest a rent increase at any time.
For example, they might offer a new fixed term tenancy at a higher rent.
You do not have to agree to the rent increase or sign a new tenancy agreement.
But your landlord could take steps to end your tenancy if you do not agree. For example, with a section 21 notice.
If your contract has a rent review clause, it should say how often the rent could go up. It is often once a year.
Your landlord might be able to give you a section 13 notice to put your rent up. For example, if your fixed term has ended or will end soon.
Landlords can only give a section 13 notice once a year. Your rent cannot be increased in this way in the first year of your tenancy.
If your landlord tells you to pay more rent
Your landlord might tell you the rent is going up without giving you a formal notice. For example, they might phone or message you.
Your rent will only go up if you agree to it.
If you pay the new amount, it legally becomes your rent even if you're not happy about it.
Signing a new agreement
Many landlords offer a new agreement towards the end of a fixed term tenancy.
This is sometimes called a renewal agreement or replacement tenancy.
They may want you to pay more rent.
You can negotiate if you cannot afford a rent increase or think it's too much.
Your landlord might prefer to keep you as a tenant rather than having to find someone new.
You do not have to sign a new tenancy agreement.
Check you are okay with the rent and other terms before signing anything.
If you sign, you are agreeing to the new rent from when the new tenancy starts.
Pressure to agree to a rent increase
Your landlord should give you some time to think about a rent increase.
If you want to pay the same when your fixed term ends
Copy this template into an email to your landlord or agent.
[Use subject: Proposed rent increase]
You told me that I must sign a new tenancy agreement at a higher monthly rent of £xxx or move out at the end of my fixed term contract.
I have checked my tenancy rights. As you will be aware, my tenancy continues as a periodic tenancy if I do not sign a new agreement.
I do not plan to sign a new agreement. This means my rent stays at £xxx.
[Only add the next lines if your landlord is pressuring you to leave]
I would ask that you do not visit my home to ask for the rent. And that you follow the legal process if you want me to leave.
You could also send it as an email attachment or by post:
Word template: Pressure to agree to a rent increase (docx 16kb)
OpenDocument template: Pressure to agree to a rent increase (odt 9kb)
Sending this letter does not stop your landlord taking legal steps to evict you.
They could give you a section 21 notice.
It could be harassment if your landlord or agent pressures you to agree to the increase.
It's illegal for a landlord to make you leave because you will not agree to a rent increase. They must follow the legal process if they want to end your tenancy.
If you do not agree to pay more rent
Your rent stays the same when your fixed term ends.
Your landlord can still put your rent up. They could either:
give you a section 13 rent increase notice
use a rent review clause in your agreement
Last updated: 17 July 2024
