For assured periodic tenancies, use the section 13 process and current form 4A, giving at least two months’ notice. Rent can increase only once a year and not in the first tenancy year. Check earlier notices, transition rules and the last effective increase before proceeding. The tenant can challenge the proposed rent through the tribunal.
Check the tenancy and the proposed date
For an in-scope assured periodic tenancy, use the current statutory rent-increase process rather than an informal demand.
- Establish the tenancy start, previous increase and whether the proposal meets the frequency and first-year restrictions.
- Use the current prescribed form 4A and at least two months' notice under the reformed regime. Check transitional treatment for notices served before 1 May 2026.
- Calculate service and effective dates carefully. A calendar reminder should not assume that sending a letter and legal service occur at the same moment.
Set out the amount and evidence
Explain the proposed rent clearly and keep the basis available.
- Record the current rent, proposed rent, payment frequency and effective date. Check weekly and monthly figures are not mixed.
- Retain relevant local comparable evidence and property differences if market rent may be disputed.
- Give the tenant the required information about challenge rights and keep a copy of the notice and service evidence.
Keep the ledger accurate
The rent record should reflect the lawful effective position, including any tribunal process.
- Do not apply the new amount early or reclassify an unresolved disputed increase as ordinary arrears without checking.
- Record any withdrawal, correction or tribunal decision and adjust the ledger transparently.
- If a notice contains an error, obtain advice about the correct next step rather than editing the served copy retrospectively.
Example: the rent is due before the notice takes effect
A fictional notice proposes a lawful increase from a future date, but the next payment falls earlier. The payment request should use the rent actually due for that period. A notice being issued does not immediately change the ledger.
What to do
- Check tenancy type and the last lawful increase.
- Use the current prescribed notice and observe the required notice period.
- Record any tribunal application and the resulting lawful rent.
Evidence to keep
- Previous rent and increase date
- Notice, service and any decision
Sources and guidance
- Assured periodic tenancies: rent increasesUK Government · checked 20 October 2026