Rent Increase Letter and Section 13 Guide
Since the Renters Rights Act 2025, rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England can only be raised with a statutory Section 13 notice, once a year, with at least two months notice. This pack walks you through the process and gives you the cover letter and checklist to get it right first time.
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Who it is for
Landlords and agents raising the rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England.
What is inside
- A plain English guide to the Section 13 rules after the Renters Rights Act
- A step by step process, from market research to proof of service
- What happens if the tenant refers the rent to the First-tier Tribunal
- A cover letter template to send alongside the official Form 4
- A service checklist covering the dates, the proof and the evidence
When to use it
- The rent has not been increased in the last twelve months and sits below the local market
- You want the increase to land fairly, with comparables and a personal letter rather than a bare form
- You want the dates and proof of service right in case the rent is challenged
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get Form 4 itself?
From GOV.UK, search for assured tenancy forms. This pack deliberately does not include a copy because the government revises the prescribed form. Download a fresh one each time you serve notice.
How much notice do I have to give?
At least two months before the new rent starts, and you can only serve one increase in any twelve month period.
What if the tenant thinks the new rent is too high?
They can refer the notice to the First-tier Tribunal free of charge before the start date. The tribunal assesses the open market rent, cannot set a figure higher than you proposed, and any increase runs from the decision date rather than being backdated.
Can I still use a rent review clause?
No. On an assured periodic tenancy the Section 13 route is now the only way to raise the rent, whatever the tenancy agreement says.
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