Rent increases for private tenants
The law has changed
The Renters' Rights Act means that:
your rent can only go up once a year
you cannot be evicted for challenging a rent increase
These changes started from 1 May 2026.
Can a private landlord increase your rent?
Most private landlords can only increase your rent with a section 13 notice.
A section 13 rent increase notice:
must give you at least 2 months' notice
can only be used to increase the rent once a year
Section 13 notices are for assured tenants. Most private renters have this type of tenancy.
The only way rent can go up for assured tenants is with a section 13 notice.
Your rent cannot go up in another way even if your tenancy agreement says it can.
How much can your rent go up?
There is no set limit to how much your landlord can increase the rent. But the rent should be around the same as similar homes in your area. This is often called a 'market rent'.
You do not have to agree to an increase if you think it's too high.
You can challenge a rent increase by going to a tribunal.
If you got an eviction notice before 1 May 2026
Your landlord might let you stay if you sign a new tenancy agreement at a higher rent. It will be an assured tenancy. Make sure you can afford the new rent.
If you sign a new agreement, the eviction notice is no longer valid. This means you can stay in your home.
More about rights of private assured tenants.
If you cannot afford a rent increase
Find out about:
If you do not have a private assured tenancy
Rent increase rules are different if:
Last updated: 1 May 2026
