Rent Increases: When Your Landlord Can Raise the Rent and How to Challenge It
Landlords do not have an unlimited right to increase rent whenever they want. The rules depend on your tenancy type and where you live. In many cases, you have the right to challenge a rent increase at a tribunal, and if you do, the tribunal can only set a market rate, meaning it won't go higher than what the landlord asks for. This guide explains the rules across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
England, private tenants
For assured shorthold tenants (ASTs) in England:
- ✓During a fixed term: your landlord can only increase the rent if the tenancy agreement allows it (a 'rent review clause'). Without one, rent is fixed until the end of the term.
- ✓After the fixed term (rolling periodic tenancy): your landlord must use a Section 13 notice to propose an increase. This gives at least 1 month's notice for a monthly tenancy (or 1 week for a weekly tenancy).
- ✓Rent can only be increased once per year under the Section 13 process
- ✓If you don't accept the increase, you can refer it to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an independent determination
- ✓The tribunal can only set a 'market rent', it won't set rent above what the landlord proposed
Scotland, private tenants (PRT)
In Scotland, most private tenants have a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT). Rent increases are heavily regulated:
- ✓Landlord must give at least 3 months' notice of a rent increase
- ✓Rent can only be increased once per year
- ✓Tenants can refer a rent increase to Rent Service Scotland for an independent decision
- ✓Rent Service Scotland will determine whether the proposed rent is a market rent
- ✓In some areas, Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) cap rent increases, check with your local council
Wales, private tenants
In Wales, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 introduced the Occupation Contract, which replaced the AST:
- ✓Landlords must give at least 2 months' notice of a rent increase
- ✓Rent can only be increased once per year
- ✓Tenants can refer a disputed rent to the Rent Assessment Committee
Social housing rent increases
If you rent from a council or housing association, different rules apply:
- ✓Rent increases are set by government formula, typically CPI inflation + 1% (currently subject to a cap)
- ✓You must receive at least 4 weeks' notice of any rent increase
- ✓You can challenge a rent increase you believe is unlawful by complaining to the Regulator of Social Housing or the Housing Ombudsman
How to challenge a rent increase
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord increase my rent during a fixed-term tenancy?
Generally no, your rent is fixed for the duration of the term unless there is a rent review clause in your tenancy agreement. After the fixed term ends, your landlord must follow the proper notice procedure. Any mid-tenancy increase without a contractual clause must be agreed by you in writing.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
For assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales, landlords must give at least 1 month's written notice using a Section 13 notice before a rent increase takes effect. In Scotland, landlords must give at least 3 months' notice. You can challenge the proposed rent at a tribunal if you believe it is above the market rate.
How do I challenge a rent increase?
In England and Wales, you can refer a Section 13 notice to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) within 1 month of receiving it. The tribunal will assess the open market rent for the property and set a fair rate. In Scotland, you can apply to a Rent Officer within 3 months of the rent increase notice.
What are the rent increase rules in Scotland?
In Scotland, private landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months and must give 3 months' written notice. Tenants can challenge the increase to a Rent Officer within 3 months. Scotland also has the ability to introduce rent control areas, which can cap increases further.
Can my landlord evict me for refusing a rent increase?
Not directly, your landlord cannot evict you simply because you challenged a rent increase. However, they may use other grounds for eviction if applicable. If you refuse to pay an increase that has been properly applied, you could accrue rent arrears, which is a ground for eviction. It is important to use the formal challenge process rather than simply refusing to pay.
Related guides
Found this useful? Link to it
If you run a site, write an article, or help others with their rights, please link to this guide, it helps more people find free, reliable guidance.