Is your landlord's rent increase notice valid?
Free 2-minute check for private tenants in England, based on the Renters' Rights Act rules in force from 1 May 2026. Find out if your Section 13 notice is likely valid - and what to do next.
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What we check
Right form
Private landlords must use Form 4A (or a form to the same effect) from 1 May 2026.
2 months' notice
The new rent can't start until at least two months after the notice was served.
Once a year
At least 52 weeks since the last increase, and not in the first 52 weeks of the tenancy.
Right start date
The new rent must start on the first day of a rent period.
You get one of three answers: likely valid, likely invalid (with reasons), or unsure - check with Shelter or Citizens Advice. We never guess when the law is unclear.
Challenge pack coming soon
We're preparing a personalised PDF pack. It will include:
- A letter to your landlord, filled in with your dates and reasons
- Your rights in plain English, with sources
- Step-by-step guide to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), with your deadline
- Comparable-rent evidence checklist and table
Not available yet. The free checker and guides work now, and free help is always available from Shelter and Citizens Advice.
Use the free checkerGuides
Is my Section 13 notice valid?
How to tell if your landlord's Section 13 rent increase notice is valid under the Renters' Rights Act rules in force from 1 May 2026: form, notice period, once-a-year rule and more.
Form 4A rent increase notice explained
Form 4A is the landlord's notice proposing a new rent for private assured tenancies in England from 1 May 2026. What each section means and the dates to check.
Challenge a rent increase at tribunal
Step-by-step: applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to challenge a Section 13 rent increase in England. Deadline, £47 fee, evidence and what happens next.
How often can my landlord increase rent?
From 1 May 2026 private landlords in England can only increase rent once a year, not in the first year of a tenancy, and only with a Section 13 notice. Here's how the 52-week rule works.
Rent increase notice period in England
From 1 May 2026, private landlords in England must give at least 2 months' notice of a rent increase on Form 4A. How to count the 2 months, with worked examples.
Common questions
Can my landlord increase my rent without a Section 13 notice?
For private assured tenants in England, from 1 May 2026 rent can only go up through a section 13 notice on Form 4A, a tribunal decision, or an agreement made after a section 13 notice. Rent review clauses no longer work.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
At least two months, for notices served on or after 1 May 2026. The new rent must also start on the first day of a rent period.
How often can rent go up?
Once every 52 weeks (sometimes 53), and not in the first 52 weeks of a tenancy. Increases before 1 May 2026 count.
What if I think the new rent is too high?
Talk to your landlord first. If you can't agree, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the new rent start date. The fee is £47 and help with fees is available. For notices from 1 May 2026 the tribunal cannot set a rent higher than your landlord proposed.
Is this legal advice?
No. Check My Rent Rise provides information and self-help documents. For free advice contact Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Important
This site gives general information and self-help documents. It is not legal advice and we are not solicitors. It covers private assured tenancies in England only. For free, independent advice, contact Shelter or Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848), or a law centre.