Guide · Rent increases

The rent went up.
You can push back.

A rent increase is not a decree. It has to arrive by the proper legal route, once a year at most, and you can refer it to a tribunal that judges it against real market rents, free of charge, but only before the new rent starts. Timing is everything.

1.The process they must follow

Under the reformed rules in England, increases for periodic assured tenancies come via the statutory notice procedure (the section 13 route), with at least two months' notice and a maximum of one increase a year. A text saying "rent's going up next week" doesn't meet it:

Housing Act 1988 · s.13 · Increases of rent under assured periodic tenancies tenancies other than relevant low-cost tenancies.
"For the purpose of securing an increase in the rent under a tenancy to which this section applies, the landlord may serve on the tenant a notice in the prescribed form proposing a new rent to take effect at the beginning of a new period of the tenancy specified in the notice,"…
In plain English: If your landlord wants to increase your rent, they must provide you with a formal notice using a specific legal form. You have the right to challenge this proposed increase by applying to a tribunal if you believe the amount is unfair or unreasonable.
§ Read the full text on legislation.gov.uk →

2.The tribunal, and the deadline that matters

Refer the notice to the First-tier Tribunal before the start date on the notice and the increase can't take effect until the tribunal decides, judging against open-market rent for similar homes. Miss the deadline and the increase stands. This is the single most time-sensitive right in renting.

3.What to do

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This guide covers England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rent rules. This is guidance to help you understand your rights, not formal legal advice, and we're entirely independent: no affiliation with Citizens Advice, GOV.UK or any law firm. Every quotation above links to the official text so you can check us. Law verified current at July 2026.