Welsh guidance describes the minimum two-month notice period for a rent increase. The contract type, previous increases and any converted-contract history need checking before a notice is prepared.
Identify the contract before changing rent
Check whether the occupation contract is periodic or fixed term and read its current rent terms.
- For a periodic standard contract, use the applicable Welsh procedure, required form and minimum notice. Do not use an English section 13 form.
- Check the two-month notice requirement and the restriction on further increases within a year, applying the full circumstances and current guidance.
- For a fixed term, check what the contract permits and obtain advice where the proposed change is not clearly supported.
Prepare a clear notice and calculation
Keep the old and new rent, frequency and dates in one record.
- Verify the landlord, contract-holders and address. Include all required recipients and use a valid service method.
- Record the service evidence and the earliest lawful effective date. Allow for the actual method of service.
- Explain payment arrangements so the contract-holder can update a standing order without paying the new amount too early.
Manage disputes and corrections
A rent change can affect benefit administration and affordability as well as the contract record.
- Provide an accurate rent statement or evidence of the change when reasonably needed for a benefits claim.
- Review a challenge on its facts and seek advice where the notice or contract is disputed. Avoid threatening unrelated action to secure agreement.
- Keep the served version, subsequent correspondence and any correction. Do not overwrite the historic rent schedule.
Example: the landlord proposes a second increase
A fictional landlord increased a periodic contract's rent earlier in the year and now wants another rise. Check the statutory timing restriction before preparing a notice. A higher mortgage payment does not remove the contract-holder's notice and frequency protections.
What to do
- Read the actual contract and rent history.
- Choose the current Welsh notice and confirm timing.
- Retain delivery evidence before updating scheduled charges.
Evidence to keep
- Contract and rent history
- Notice and delivery evidence
Sources and guidance
- Renting homes: tenant questionsWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Renting homes: landlords, forms and model statementsWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026