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Section 13 rent increase notice

The statutory route to raise rent on a periodic tenancy in England, with the form wording, notice period and tribunal challenge route explained.

Notices & letters · Updated 5 August 2026

Overview

A Section 13 notice is the statutory way to propose a rent increase on a periodic assured tenancy in England where the agreement contains no rent review clause. Under the Renters'' Rights Act 2025 it becomes the single route for almost all rent increases, so getting the mechanics right matters more than ever.

Why it matters

An invalid notice does not raise the rent. If a tenant pays the higher figure under a defective notice you may have to repay it, and any arrears-based possession claim built on the wrong rent can fail.

Legal requirements

  • Use the prescribed form and state the current rent, the proposed rent and the date the new rent starts.
  • Give at least one month notice for weekly or monthly tenancies, and six months for yearly tenancies.
  • The new rent cannot start earlier than 12 months after the last increase.
  • The start date must line up with the beginning of a rent period.

Common mistakes

  • Increasing the rent by letter or text instead of the prescribed form.
  • Picking a start date mid-period rather than on a rent day.
  • Serving a second notice within 12 months of the last increase.
  • Forgetting that the tenant can refer the proposed rent to the First-tier Tribunal before it takes effect.

Practical guidance

  • Benchmark the new figure against genuine local comparables before you serve — the tribunal decides on market rent, not on your costs.
  • Serve it early and keep proof of service with the date.
  • Tell the tenant in a covering message what the notice is and how they can respond; it prevents most disputes.
  • Update your standing order instructions only once the new rent takes effect.

The template

Replace everything in [SQUARE BRACKETS] with your own details before use.

SECTION 13 RENT INCREASE — COVERING LETTER

[LANDLORD NAME]
[ADDRESS FOR SERVICE]
Date: [DATE]

Dear [TENANT NAME(S)],

Property: [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS]

I enclose a notice proposing a new rent for the property under section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.

Current rent: GBP [AMOUNT] per [WEEK / MONTH]
Proposed new rent: GBP [AMOUNT] per [WEEK / MONTH]
First rent period at the new rent begins: [DATE]

The proposed rent reflects current rents for similar properties in the area. If you do not agree with it, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the date above and the tribunal will decide the market rent.

Please update your standing order so the first payment at the new amount reaches me on [DATE]. Nothing else about your tenancy changes.

Yours sincerely,
[LANDLORD NAME]

Frequently asked questions

How much notice must a Section 13 notice give?

At least one month for weekly or monthly tenancies, and six months where rent is paid yearly. The new rent must also start at the beginning of a rent period.

Can I increase the rent more than once a year?

No. A Section 13 increase can only take effect 12 months or more after the previous increase took effect.

What happens if the tenant challenges it?

They can apply to the First-tier Tribunal before the start date, and the tribunal decides the open market rent.

This template is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before relying on it.