Can my landlord increase my rent?

Yes, but only once per year, only using the official process, and only by an amount that reflects the current market rate. Your landlord cannot just decide to raise your rent — they must follow the rules in the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

To increase your rent legally, your landlord must send you a formal notice called a Section 13 notice (Form 4A). They must give you at least two months' warning before the new rent kicks in. And they cannot increase the rent within the first 12 months of a new tenancy.

Any rent review clauses in older contracts — clauses that automatically increased rent at certain intervals — are no longer valid after 1 May 2026. Your landlord must use the Section 13 process regardless of what your original contract says.

If you think the proposed increase is above the going rate for similar properties in your area, you can challenge it. You have the right to take it to the First-tier Tribunal (a free service) before the increase takes effect. Crucially, challenging it won't get you evicted — landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for using their legal rights.

If you receive a rent increase notice, check it's on Form 4A and that it gives you at least two months' notice. If not, it may not be valid. Search "First-tier Tribunal rent increase" on GOV.UK to challenge an amount you think is unfair.