If your landlord says they want to increase your rent, don't panic. They cannot simply decide to charge more. There are legal rules they must follow.
Here's what you need to know, if you are renting privately and you do not live with your landlord (i.e. you are not a lodger).
Can my landlord increase my rent?
Yes. But they must follow the law.
Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords cannot just send a text or email saying your rent is going up.
They must use the correct legal process.
How does a landlord increase the rent?
Your landlord must:
Give you a Section 13 Notice (Form 4A).
Give you at least 2 months' notice.
Only increase the rent once every 12 months.
If they do not follow these rules, the rent increase may not be valid.
Do I have to agree?
No.
Your landlord does not need your permission to propose a rent increase. However, they must use the correct legal notice.
If you think the new rent is fair, you can simply start paying it from the date shown on the notice.
What if I think the increase is too high?
You have options.
Before the new rent starts, you can:
Speak to your landlord and try to negotiate.
Ask if they would accept a smaller increase.
Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to challenge the increase. You do not need a lawyer for that (you can self-represent) and the court application fee is £47.
What does the tribunal do?
The tribunal is independent.
It will look at:
The condition of your home.
The rent charged for similar properties in your area.
The local rental market.
The tribunal decides what the market rent should be.
Can the tribunal reduce the rent?
Yes.
If it decides the landlord's proposed rent is too high, it can set a lower market rent.
However, if the tribunal decides the market rent is the same as—or even higher than—the amount your landlord asked for, that is the rent that will apply.
Should I stop paying rent?
No.
Keep paying the rent that is legally due while the process is ongoing. Stopping payments could put your tenancy at risk.
However, if you are challenging the rent increase at the tribunal, do not pay the increased rent until the tribunal tells you to do so.
The bottom line
If your landlord wants to increase your rent:
✔ They must use a Section 13 Notice.
✔ They must give you 2 months' notice.
✔ They can usually only increase the rent once every 12 months.
✔ You can negotiate with your landlord.
✔ If you think the increase is unfair, you can ask the First-tier Tribunal to decide what the market rent should be.
More information about tenancy agreements can be found on Rent increases for private tenants - Shelter England
At our charity, we have experienced housing advisers and a specialist housing solicitor, and we are here to provide advice and practical assistance to East European communities.
If you need advice or want to check your eligibility, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 16/07/2026.