This guide explains how a private tenant can challenge a section 13 rent increase.

A private landlord can increase a periodic assured or assured shorthold tenant's rent by following the process under section 13 Housing Act 1988.

A landlord must issue a valid section 13 notice to start the rent increase process.

A tenant can challenge a rent increase by submitting an application to the First-tier Tribunal.

The tribunal can:

• consider evidence from the landlord and tenant

• complete an inspection of the property if necessary

• decide the market rent for the property

• inform the tenant of the new rent and when it will start