Possession & rent
How to increase rent legally: the Section 13 process
Rent review clauses are now void. The only lawful way to raise the rent on a periodic tenancy is a Section 13 notice, done correctly.
Section 13 is the only route
Under the Renters' Rights Act, any rent-review clause in a tenancy agreement is void. Rent can only be increased by serving a Section 13 notice on Form 4.
The rules
- A maximum of one increase every 12 months.
- At least two months' notice before the new rent takes effect.
- The proposed rent must be in line with the market - you cannot use it as a back-door eviction.
- The tenant can challenge an above-market increase at the First-tier Tribunal, which can set the rent no higher than what you proposed.
Last reviewed September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice - always check your local authority's requirements.
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