Section 13 Rent Increases: The New Rules Explained
Rent increases under the Renters' Rights Act must follow strict rules — one increase per year, minimum 52 weeks apart, via a Section 13 notice. Get the process right every time.
How rent increases work under the Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act fundamentally changes how landlords can increase rent. Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements are no longer enforceable for tenancies covered by the Act. The only lawful mechanism for increasing rent is a Section 13 notice.
One increase per year
Rent can only be increased once in any 52-week period. This is measured from the start of the tenancy or from the date the last increase took effect, whichever is later.
If you served a Section 13 notice and the increase took effect on 1 June, the earliest you can serve another Section 13 notice with an effective date is 1 June of the following year.
The Section 13 notice process
Step 1: Determine the market rent
The proposed new rent must reflect the open market rent for the property. It cannot be inflated to recover costs of improvements or to penalise a tenant. Research comparable properties in the area to support your proposed figure.
Step 2: Serve the notice
The Section 13 notice must be served in the prescribed form. It must give at least two months' notice. The notice must specify the new rent amount and the date from which it takes effect.
Step 3: Wait for the response period
The tenant has until the effective date to either accept the increase or refer it to the First-tier Tribunal. If the tenant does nothing, the increase takes effect automatically on the date specified.
Step 4: Tribunal determination (if challenged)
If the tenant challenges the increase, the First-tier Tribunal will determine the market rent. The Tribunal's determination replaces the landlord's proposed figure. The Tribunal can set the rent higher or lower than the proposed amount, but in practice it assesses what the open market rent would be.
Common mistakes to avoid
How RightHold helps
RightHold tracks the 52-week interval for every tenancy. When a rent increase is due, you receive a reminder with the earliest lawful date. The Section 13 Notice Generator produces compliant notices pre-populated with your property and tenancy data. If a tenant challenges the increase, the system tracks the Tribunal timeline and outcome.