If your landlord suddenly asks you to pay an increased rent, you might be wondering if they can do that. No, they cannot increase the rent at any time or by any amount unless it is mentioned in the tenancy agreement or contract. You and your landlord must follow the contract that you made with them when renting. Therefore, when a landlord can increase the rent depends on what you agreed to in the tenancy contract and its type. Over the years, the UK government has also developed certain rules and regulations to protect tenants or renters. Let’s understand what the tenancy agreement and the UK government says regarding how and when a landlord can ask for a rent increase.
General Rules Regarding Rent Increase in the UK
For any tenancy, your landlord must follow two general rules in the UK, before they increase your rent.
- To increase the rent from the previous amount, your landlord must have your consent.
- The amount of the rent increase must be realistic and fair, considering the average rent in that area.
The Tenancy Agreement and Rent Increase
The tenancy agreement allows renters to live in the landlord’s property in exchange for rent. This contract sets certain terms and conditions regarding the use of the property and the safety of the renter. Both the landlord and the renter must agree to what is written on the agreement or spoken orally.
There are mainly two types of tenancy agreements-
A. Fixed-term Tenancy
B. Periodic Tenancy
And both have different conditions regarding rent increase.
What Is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?
If you want to rent a private residential property in the UK, your landlord would most likely ask you to make an AST agreement or Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement. This agreement is very much relevant for fixed-term agreements of six months or twelve months. When a tenant rents a private residential property under an AST agreement, the landlord does not live in the property. The landlord can regain possession when the fixed term ends. If the tenant refuses to leave the property after the fixed term, the AST agreement helps the landlord repossess the property by providing a legal framework.
However, there are certain legal considerations regarding the application of the AST agreement. One major issue is that fixed-term contracts usually transform into periodic tenancies after the end of the term. In that case, the landlord must serve a Section 8 or Section 21 notice to evict the tenant. To avoid these issues, the UK government will implement the Renters’ Rights Bill from 1 May 2026, which would abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and bring major changes to the existing AST agreements.
Rent Increases in a Fixed-term Tenancy
In the case of fixed-term tenancy, the landlord can only increase the rent after the end of the fixed-term. They can propose you for a rent increase or insist you to make a new agreement. But, they can not increase the rent during the fixed term without your consent.
When Can a Landlord Increase Rent During a Fixed Term?
During a fixed- term, a landlord can increase the rent only by mutual agreement or through a rent review clause.
By Mutual Agreement on Rent Increase
If both the landlord and the tenant agree to an increase in rent within the fixed term, the rent can be increased with a new written agreement. The new agreement must include the start date and amount of the revised rent. The document must have the signatures of the landlord and tenant. However, if the tenant does not give consent, the rent will remain the same until the end of the existing contract.
Rent Review Clause in the Tenancy
If there is a rent review clause in the tenancy agreement, that might allow a landlord to increase the rent.
A rent review clause must mention the time when a landlord may review the amount of the rent and ask for a rent increase. The clause should also include the amount of the rent increase.
Rent Increases in a Periodic Tenancy
In a periodic tenancy that rolls on a month-by-month or week-by-week basis, your landlord can usually increase the rent once a year. They can increase the rent twice or more within a year only if you agree to that.
When Can a Landlord Increase Rent During a Periodic Tenancy?
Your periodic tenancy starts when your agreement for a fixed-term tenancy has ended but you are still renting the place. In that case, your landlord might increase the rent without your permission. However, they must serve you a Section 13 notice to do so.
Section 13 Notice
Your landlord must provide you with one month’s notice for a monthly tenancy and can use a section 13 notice once a year to increase the rent. However, you have the right to disagree with the increased rent amount. In that case, you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.
What If You Refuse a Rent Increase?
You can refuse a rent increase during a fixed-term if there is no rent review clause in the agreement. In that case, the landlord will have no choice but to wait until the term ends. After the end of the fixed-term, your landlord may ask you to sign a new tenancy agreement with an increased rent. If you disagree with their proposal, they may not renew your tenancy. As a result, your tenancy may convert into a periodic term.
Now, when you are in a periodic term, your landlord can serve you a Section 13 notice for a rent increase. After the notice period, your landlord can seek possession of their property with lawful actions, but can not evict you simply for refusing a rent.
How to Challenge a Section 13 Notice?
Renters can challenge a Section 13 notice if they believe that the increase in rent is unfair and unrealistic. To challenge the increased rent, you have to bring this legal dispute at the First-tier Tribunal. However, you must apply it within the deadline (start of the new rent). Otherwise, you have to pay the new rent.
The Renters’ Rights Act
Last year, on 27 October 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill was passed by the UK Parliament and will take effect on 1 May 2026. Until then, the tenancy rights mentioned earlier remain the same.
Therefore, the UK law regarding rent is changing soon and the new law aims to protect the rights of renters. The two major changes that this new law will bring are-
- Your landlord can only increase the rent once a year.
- Your landlord can not evict you for questioning a rent increase.
So, this is good news for renters. Know your rights well and protect yourself from unfair practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord raise rent without notice?
No, a landlord must provide you with a Section 13 notice or obtain your consent before increasing the rent.
How much can rent be increased legally?
There is no fixed limit legally, but the rent increase must be fair and realistic, considering the average rent in the local area.
Can I negotiate a rent increase?
Yes, you can discuss and negotiate a proposed rent increase with your landlord.
Can a landlord evict me for refusing a rent increase?
A landlord cannot evict you during a fixed term for refusing a rent increase, but they may take legal steps after the term ends.