Rent increase checker

By Sam Kane · Last checked 5 October 2026 · Covers England only

Has your landlord told you the rent is going up? This rent increase checker tells you whether the notice follows the main legal rules for private renters in England, and what you can do if it does not. It takes about six questions.

The checker is for private tenants in England with an assured tenancy, which is most private renters. It does not cover council or housing association tenants, lodgers, or homes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The rules in short

Since 1 May 2026, a private landlord in England can only raise your rent in one way, called a section 13 notice:

A rent review clause in your tenancy agreement no longer counts. For the full rules, read our guide to rent increases.

Where is the home you rent?
Who is your landlord?
Do you pay rent each month or each week?

The rent you pay now, before the rise.

a month
a month

The first day of your first tenancy in this home with this landlord. It is on your tenancy agreement. If you renewed or signed a new agreement since, use the very first start date.

The day the notice reached you, by hand, post or email.

The notice should say the date the new rent starts.

When did your rent last go up?
Was the notice on Form 4A?

Form 4A is the official government form for a rent increase. It is several pages long and is called "Form 4A" at the top.

What you can do

If the notice does not follow the rules

  1. Keep paying your current rent on time. Get advice before you pay the higher amount.
  2. Tell your landlord in writing that you think the notice is not valid, and why. Keep a copy.
  3. Ask the tribunal to decide if your landlord does not agree. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can decide whether a notice is valid.
  4. Get free advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.

If you think the new rent is too high

  1. Look up rents for similar homes near you, for example on property websites. Save screenshots with the date.
  2. Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the date the new rent starts. From 1 May 2026, the fee is £47. You may get help with the fee if you have a low income.
  3. Send your evidence: the notice, your tenancy agreement, photos of the home and the rents you found.

The tribunal looks at what similar homes rent for. It cannot set your rent higher than your landlord asked for. Your landlord cannot evict you for challenging a rent increase.

Can my landlord increase the rent whenever they want?

No. Since 1 May 2026, a private landlord in England can only raise the rent with a section 13 notice on Form 4A, once a year at most, with at least 2 months’ notice. A rise cannot start in the first 12 months of your tenancy. Any clause in your tenancy agreement that sets its own rent rises no longer applies.

There is no limit on how much the rent can go up. But if the new rent is above the market rent for a similar home, the tribunal can set a lower rent.

Your landlord cannot use a rent rise to force you out. If the rise is far above the market rent, and the aim seems to be to make you leave, get advice. Read our guide to the Renters’ Rights Act for your other rights.

While you rent, your rent payments can also count for you. Rent reporting can add your rent to your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion credit files.

Common questions

How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?

At least 2 months, on Form 4A.

Can my rent go up in the first year?

No. A rent rise cannot start in the first 12 months of your tenancy.

Is a letter or email enough to raise my rent?

Usually not. Your landlord should use Form 4A. A notice that is not on the form may not be valid, unless it contains all the same information.

Is there a limit on how much my rent can go up?

There is no set limit. If you think the new rent is above the market rent, you can ask the First-tier Tribunal to decide before the new rent starts.

Can I be evicted for challenging a rent increase?

No. The Renters’ Rights Act protects you from eviction for challenging a rent increase.

Does this apply in Scotland or Wales?

No. This checker covers England only.

Where to get free help

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If your landlord has given you notice of a rent increase, get advice about your own situation.

You already do the hard part.

You pay your rent every month. From now on, your credit file can show it.

a month