How to Raise Rent UK: Legal Process and Notice Requirements

You can raise rent on your rental property, but you need to follow the correct legal process. For periodic tenancies, you serve a Section 13 notice giving at least one month’s notice (or six months for yearly tenancies). For fixed-term tenancies, you either use a rent review clause or wait until the fixed term ends.

The Section 13 Process

Complete the prescribed form, specify the new rent amount, and give the correct notice period. The increase must be fair and realistic — in line with local market rents. Tenants can challenge it at a First-tier Tribunal. The Renters’ Rights Act limits rent increases to once per year and strengthens the tribunal process.

How Much Can You Raise Rent?

There’s no legal cap, but the rent must reflect market rates. Check what similar properties in your area are letting for. Use our rental yield calculator to see how a rent increase affects your overall return. If you’re self-managing, have an honest conversation with your tenant before serving formal notice — good tenants are worth keeping.

What If Your Tenant Doesn’t Agree?

They can refer the increase to a tribunal. The tribunal sets a market rent, which could be higher, lower, or the same as what you proposed. If they simply refuse to pay, that becomes a rent arrears issue — see our guide on how to evict a tenant for the formal process.

Full guide coming soon.