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.
If your landlord does not use a section 13 notice
Your landlord can only increase your rent with a section 13 notice.
You do not need to pay or agree to a rent increase if they do not give you this notice. For example, if they just:
send you an email or a text
tell you about the increase in person
say your rent is going up because of your tenancy agreement
Some tenancy agreements have a 'rent review clause' that says when the rent will go up. The Renters' Rights Act means that this and other ways to raise the rent no longer apply.
Example: When a rent increase is not valid
Leon's landlord sends him a text. It says the rent is going up by £50. Leon does not reply and pays his monthly rent as usual.
The landlord calls to ask about the £50 increase. Leon says the rent has not gone up.
Leon does not have to do anything else. He can continue to pay his rent as usual.
The landlord cannot evict him. The rent has not gone up and Leon does not owe any rent.
Letter template
Use our letter template to tell your landlord about the change in law.
[Use the subject: Rent increase]
You contacted me on [date] to say my rent is increasing to £xxx.
The Renter's Rights Act changed how rent can be increased.
Since 1 May 2026, private landlords must use the right legal process to increase rent. Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements no longer apply.
This means my rent stays the same. I will continue to pay £xxx.
Word template: Refuse to pay a rent increase (docx 16kb)
OpenDocument template: Rent increase (odt 9kb)
Pressure to agree to a rent increase
It could be harassment if your landlord or agent pressure you to agree to a rent increase.
It is an illegal eviction if you are forced to leave because you challenge a rent increase.
The Renters' Rights Act gives tenants stronger rights.
Your landlord cannot use a section 21 to evict you. This means you cannot be evicted just for challenging a rent increase.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
