How landlords increase rent after May 2026
A plain-English guide to section 13 rent increases, Form 4A, annual limits and notice periods for assured periodic tenancies.
For an assured periodic tenancy, rent can ordinarily be increased only once a year, not in the tenancy’s first year, using Form 4A with at least two months’ notice.
Check the dates before proposing anything
Record the tenancy start date and the effective date of the last rent increase. The next increase cannot normally take effect in the first year or within a year of the previous increase.
- Tenancy start date
- Last effective increase date
- Proposed effective date
Use Form 4A
The landlord must use the section 13 process and give a completed Form 4A. The proposed new rent should reflect the open market rent and the tenant can ask the First-tier Tribunal to determine it.
- Complete the current official form
- Review every populated field
- Keep supporting market evidence
Give at least two months’ notice
The notice can be given in person, by post or by email where the tenancy agreement permits email. Record the actual delivery method and date for every named tenant.
- Allow the full notice period
- Check email service is permitted
- Retain delivery evidence
Official sources
Rules can change and individual circumstances matter. Check the current official guidance: