Rent Increase Rules Under the Renters' Rights Act 2026: What Landlords Need to Know

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to how landlords can increase rent in England. With new rules taking effect from 31 May 2026, private landlords and letting agents need to understand these changes to remain compliant and avoid costly disputes.

Key Changes to Rent Increase Rules

The most significant change is the restriction on frequency. Under the new legislation, landlords can only increase rent once per 12-month period for any given tenancy. This applies to all private rental properties in England, regardless of tenancy type.

This represents a major shift from previous arrangements where landlords could potentially implement multiple increases within a year, provided they followed proper notice procedures. The new annual limit aims to provide tenants with greater rent stability and predictability.

Section 13 Notice Requirements

Rent increases must still be implemented using a Section 13 notice, but the Renters' Rights Act 2026 introduces stricter requirements:

Notice Period

• Minimum 2 months' written notice must be given
• Notice must be served in the prescribed form
• The increase cannot take effect until the notice period expires

Content Requirements

Your Section 13 notice must include:

• Current rent amount and proposed new rent
• Date the increase takes effect
• Explanation of how the new rent was calculated
• Information about the tenant's right to challenge the increase
• Details of how to apply to a tribunal

Timing Restrictions

• Cannot serve a new Section 13 notice within 12 months of the previous increase taking effect
• Must allow sufficient time between notice and effective date
• Consider any existing contractual rent review clauses

Tenant Rights and Tribunal Challenges

Tenants retain the right to challenge rent increases through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). However, the Renters' Rights Act 2026 clarifies this process:

Grounds for Challenge

Tenants can apply to a tribunal if they believe:

• The proposed rent exceeds market rates for comparable properties
• The increase is excessive or unreasonable
• Proper procedures were not followed
• The landlord has not maintained the property adequately

Tribunal Process

• Applications must be made within one month of receiving the Section 13 notice
• Tribunal will consider local market evidence
• Decision is binding on both parties
• Costs may be awarded against unsuccessful applicants

"The tribunal will determine a market rent based on comparable properties in similar condition, location, and with similar terms. Landlords should ensure their proposed increase reflects genuine market conditions, not arbitrary amounts."

Connection to Written Statement Compliance

The rent increase rules are closely linked to the new written statement requirements under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Landlords must provide tenants with a comprehensive written statement that includes:

• Current rent amount and payment frequency
• Details of how and when rent can be increased
• Reference to the annual increase limitation
• Information about tenant rights regarding rent challenges

Failure to provide proper written statements can impact your ability to implement rent increases and may affect tribunal proceedings if tenants challenge your notices.

Ploxit helps landlords maintain compliance by ensuring tenants receive the required GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026 with full audit trail documentation, making it easier to demonstrate you've met your obligations when implementing rent changes.

Best Practices for Landlords

Before Increasing Rent

• Research local market rents for comparable properties
• Ensure the property is in good repair and meets all safety requirements
• Check you haven't increased rent in the previous 12 months
• Verify tenant has received proper written statement of tenancy terms

Serving Notice

• Use the correct Section 13 form
• Provide clear justification for the increase
• Allow adequate notice period (minimum 2 months)
• Keep detailed records of service and delivery

Documentation

• Maintain evidence of market research
• Keep copies of all notices served
• Record tenant communications and responses
• Document property improvements or maintenance costs

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Landlords who fail to follow proper procedures face several potential consequences:

• Invalid rent increases that cannot be enforced
• Tribunal orders reducing proposed rents below current levels
• Potential rent repayment orders for overpaid amounts
• Difficulty evicting tenants if procedures are not followed correctly
• Reputational damage and tenant relationship breakdown

Preparing for Implementation

With the 31 May 2026 deadline approaching, landlords should:

• Review current tenancy agreements and rent levels
• Establish systems for tracking rent increase timing
• Ensure compliance with written statement requirements
• Update letting agent procedures if applicable
• Consider market positioning for future increases

Ploxit's compliance platform helps landlords stay on top of these requirements by automating the delivery of mandatory information and maintaining the audit trails needed to demonstrate compliance with both written statement and rent increase procedures.

Getting Professional Support

The new rent increase rules represent a significant change in landlord obligations. Consider seeking professional advice if you:

• Manage multiple properties with different rent review dates
• Have tenants who may challenge increases
• Are unsure about market rent levels in your area
• Need help establishing compliant procedures

Proper compliance with the Renters' Rights Act 2026 rent increase rules protects both your rental income and tenant relationships, whilst avoiding costly disputes and penalties.

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This article provides general information about rent increase rules under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and should not be considered legal advice. Landlords should consult qualified professionals for guidance on specific situations and ensure compliance with all applicable legislation.