Can Landlords Increase Rent?
A common question for private tenants: can landlords increase rent? While yes, they can, you do have rights, and itās important youāre aware of them. Letās dig deeper into the ins and outs to answer some FAQs.
Can a landlord increase rent?
Landlords can increase rent, and the details of when this can happen (and how much by) should be outlined in your tenancy agreement, but they also must follow the legal rules that apply where you rent.Ā
Your landlord canāt just increase your rent whenever they like, by any amount. Generally-speaking, they must get your permission if they want to increase rent or use the correct legal process.
Depending on the type of tenancy you have, and what country you rent in, there are rules they have to follow.
Periodic tenancies
With periodic tenancies (e.g. rolling on week-by-week or month-by-month), your landlord canāt usually increase rent more than once a year – without your agreement.Ā In England, for example, landlords must usually use the section 13 process, can normally only increase rent once per year and must give at least two monthsā notice.
Fixed-term tenancies
While England and Scotland no longer allow end-dates to tenancies, fixed-term agreements still exist in Wales and Northern Ireland. For these, rent can only be increased if you agree to it. Otherwise, the rent can only be increased after the fixed term (e.g. a year).
How much can a landlord increase rent by?
Rent increases must be fair and realistic; in line with local average rents. These will depend on where you live, the property itself, and other factors.
When can your rent be increased?
Letās explore some of the common circumstances where your rent may be increased. This could be if you:
- Have a rent review clause in your contract where this is still valid
- Agree to a new rental term
- Sign a new contract where fixed-term contracts are still used
- Get a section 13 notice in England
Rent review clause
Itās vital you read your contract carefully before signing anything – for many reasons. Not all agreements have them, but a rent review clause will set out in your contract how/when rent can be increased.
It should state:
- How much rent can increase by
- How much notice youāll get
- When it can increase
In England, rent review clauses cannot be used for new rent increases after 1st May 2026. Landlords must usually use the section 13 process instead.
Agree to a new rent
If your landlord rings or emails to ask/inform you of a rent increase, it can usually only happen if you agree to it.
Sign a new contract
Your landlord could offer you a new contract at a higher rent, if you agree and sign it, youāll have to pay the new amount. They donāt need to give you notice of this new contract, but neither do you have to agree. If you donāt, your rent will stay the same.
Section 13
A section 13 notice is when a landlord formally informs you of a rent increase. This can only happen once a year, and there are rules they must follow. Rent can only be increased if:
- Your agreement doesnāt have a rent review clause or the clause can no longer be used under the current rules
- You have a periodic tenancy or AST
How much notice will you get?
This depends on where you rent. In England, landlords must usually give at least two monthsā notice using the section 13 process. In Wales, landlords must usually give at least two monthsā notice for periodic standard occupation contracts. In Scotland, private residential tenancy rent increases normally require at least three monthsā written notice. In Northern Ireland, private landlords must give three monthsā written notice.
Can you stop a rent increase?
Depending on how your landlord tries to increase rent, you might be able to refuse it.
As mentioned, they must follow certain rules (outlined above). If they donāt, the rent increase canāt happen. Also, if they ask for it, but youāre under no obligation to agree, you can disagree – and your rent should stay the same.
How to challenge a rent increase
If you and your landlord canāt reach an agreement when it comes to the rent increase, you could challenge it.
For example, you could try and negotiate and meet in the middle. If theyāre suggesting your rent increases from Ā£800 a month to Ā£850, you could ask for Ā£825. Many landlords would rather slightly decrease their initial amount than lose you as a tenant, and have to find new ones.
You could also appeal to a tribunal, or contact Citizens Advice if necessary. Whatever you do, donāt stop paying rent even if you are challenging the rent increase, as you could fall into rent arrears.
Achieving financial health
It can be difficult to save while renting, and rent increases can only make life more difficult. A great tip is setting a monthly budget so you can get a better grip on your finances and control spending.
The financial decisions you make can impact your credit profile. To see where you stand, and make the necessary changes to improve it, check your credit score. Itās free to do!
Need more renting advice?
We have many guides and articles to help renters out there. Check out our advice on how to rent for everything you need to know.
Last Updated: June 3rd, 2026
