Tenant right
Rent can only rise once every 12 months
Your landlord cannot raise your rent more than once every 12 months, and must give at least 2 months' written notice using the official form.
What this means
No matter what your tenancy agreement says, your landlord can only propose a rent increase once every 12 months. The 12-month clock runs from either the start of your tenancy or the date the last increase took effect.
How notice must be given
Your landlord must use the prescribed Form 4 (Section 13 notice) and give you at least 2 months' written notice. Verbal agreements, WhatsApp messages, or letters that do not use the correct form are not valid.
Your right to challenge
You can refer any proposed increase to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the effective date — for free. The Tribunal will assess whether the proposed rent is in line with local market rates. If you refer it, the increase cannot take effect until the Tribunal decides.
If your landlord ignores this
A rent increase imposed without a valid Form 4 notice is legally unenforceable. You are not obliged to pay the higher amount. Keep a record of what you have paid and when.
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