# How to Notify Tenants of a Rent Increase in England ![How to notify tenants of a rent increase in England](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bgryraiv/production/6fb84b5c5685b7c88c6e97b2bfaf6a07a61bef12-2811x1581.jpg) 19 December 2024 ## How to Notify Tenants of a Rent Increase in England (2026) Putting the rent up is a normal part of letting, but in England the rules changed on 1 May 2026. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, there's now only one way for a private landlord to increase the rent on an assured periodic tenancy: the **Section 13 process**, using **Form 4A**. Here's how it works. ## The Key Rules - **Once a year** You can only increase the rent once every 12 months, and not in the first year of the tenancy. - **Use Form 4A** The proposed new rent must be set out on the prescribed form. - **At least two months' notice** The new rent can't start until at least two months after you serve the notice. - **No rent review clauses** Clauses that allow automatic or fixed increases no longer have any effect. - **Tenants can challenge** A tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal if they think the new rent is above the open market rent. ## How to Notify Your Tenant, Step by Step 1. **Check the timing** Make sure at least 12 months will have passed since the tenancy started or since the last increase took effect. 2. **Set a fair rent** Look at comparable properties nearby. An increase above market rent is likely to be challenged. 3. **Complete Form 4A** Include the current rent, the proposed new rent and the date it starts. 4. **Serve the notice** In person, by post, or by email if your tenancy agreement allows it. Keep proof of service. 5. **Talk to your tenant** A short, friendly explanation of the reasons for the increase can help avoid a dispute. ## What If I Gave Notice Before 1 May 2026? A valid Form 4 notice served before 1 May 2026 still applies, even if the new rent starts after that date. Increases agreed under a rent review clause before 1 May 2026 but due to take effect after it do not apply. ## Rent Increase FAQs #### How much can I increase the rent by? There's no fixed cap in England, but the tenant can ask the First-tier Tribunal to decide whether the new rent is above the open market rent. #### Can I agree a rent increase with my tenant informally? The Section 13 process is the route set out in law for assured periodic tenancies. Speak to a legal professional before relying on any other arrangement. #### Does this apply in Wales and Scotland? No. Different rules apply in Wales and Scotland. [Create a Notice of Rent Increase ➝](https://robotlawyer.co/documents/notice-of-rent-increase-or-decrease)