Your tenancy agreement or written information from your landlord must say:

• how much rent you must pay

• when to pay your rent

When you pay your rent

For tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 May 2026, the due date for your rent is either:

• the same date each month

• the same day each week

• every 4 weeks

Most tenants pay rent on the first day of the rent period for the month ahead.

You need to ask your landlord if you want to change the date you pay rent.

When your rent could be due less often

You might not pay rent as often if all these things apply:

• you signed an agreement before 1 May 2026

• you have not signed a new one since this date

• your agreement says rent is due less often

For example, if you signed an agreement before 1 May 2026 which says you must pay your rent every 3 months this still applies.

But if you sign a new agreement your rent due date can only be monthly, weekly or every 4 weeks.

More on agreements from before 1 May 2026.

Rent increases

Your rent can only go up once a year.

Your landlord has to give you a legal notice called a 'section 13 notice'.

Your agreement might say your landlord can increase your rent in a different way. This is sometimes called a 'rent review clause'. These clauses cannot be used from 1 May 2026.

More on rent increases for private tenants.

If your bills are included

Your landlord must tell you about any bills included in your rent.

For example:

• council tax

• electricity, gas or water

• TV licence

• phone, internet or television

Your tenancy agreement or written information should tell you if these payments are:

• part of your rent

• a separate payment to your landlord

If you pay the amount separately, the agreement must tell you when and how much you pay.

You cannot be charged more for gas and electricity than your landlord pays to the supplier.

Energy costs and limits on usage

If you pay bills as a part of your rent, check your contract for things like:

• limits on how much energy or water you can use

• what happens if you go over these limits

• if the landlord can increase your rent if energy costs go up

Limits on energy and water use are sometimes called 'fair usage clauses'.

If your agreement does not mention bills

You are probably responsible for paying bills yourself.

You need to set up your own accounts with water and energy companies.

Council tax

Council tax is money you pay to your local council each month for things like rubbish collection.

Tenants are often responsible for paying council tax.

See Citizens Advice: Check if you have to pay council tax.

Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Your landlord is usually responsible for council tax if you live in an HMO. For example, you rent a room in a shared house where everyone has their own tenancy agreement.

You do not normally have to pay council tax in a student house share.

Ask the council tax team at your local council if either:

• you get a bill which is not your responsibility

• your tenancy agreement says you are responsible

Find your local council on GOV.UK