Just Received a Rent Increase?

Yes.  It is your right to challenge any rent increase that you believe is unfair or unreasonable.

Yes.  The rent increase is on hold until the tribunal makes a binding decision. 

No.  Any rent increase determined by the tribunal will take effect from the date of the tribunal's decision, not backdated.  This means you will save any increase between the time of your proposed rent increase and the ruling of the tribunal.

No. The Tribunal can never increase your rent beyond the initial proposed increase.  That is the maximum you would pay for 12 months.

we charge a flat fee of £29.95 for each submission.  

As soon as possible. If you intend to challenge your rent increase, you should submit a challenge immediately after receiving your Section 13 notice. Once the new rent period begins, you can no longer submit a challenge, as the increase is considered to have been accepted.

Yes.  You must challenge your rent increase prior to the date stated on your section 13 notice.

You need to submit your most recent tenancy and the section 13 notice you received from your landlord.  We will ask you to upload them, so have them ready.

You apply before the increase takes effect. You must send your application to the tribunal before the date stated on the rent increase notice (such as a Section 13 notice).

The tribunal reviews evidence from both sides 

An inspection may take place. The tribunal might visit the property to assess its condition and facilities.

A fair market rent is set. The tribunal decides what rent is reasonable for the property given the local market.

This could be lower than or the same as what the landlord proposed.  The Renters Rights Bill does not allow it to be higher than what the landlord proposed

The decision is binding. The new rent applies from the date in the notice and usually can’t be changed for 12 months.

No.  It's your right to challenge any rent increase you view as being above market and a landlord cannot evict you for doing so.  The Renters Rights Bill has removed the ability for landlords to evict tenants via a section 21 notice, which is also known as a "no fault eviction".

A Section 13 notice is a formal letter your landlord can use to raise the rent on a periodic tenancy in England and Wales.

It must:

• Be given in writing using the official government form

• Give you two months’ notice

• State the proposed new rent and the date it will take effect

Section 13 notices can only be issued once every 12 months. 

Your rent increase can also be provided via a standard letter, assuming it includes all the required fields of a Section 13 notice.

A periodic tenancy is a rolling rental agreement with no fixed end date.

It continues automatically from one rental period to the next (for example, month to month if you pay monthly) until either the tenant or landlord gives proper notice to end it.

The Renters Rights Bill (2025) changed all new and existing tenancies to a periodic tenancy.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is new legislation that took effect in the fall of 2025 for England aimed at giving tenants more security and flexibility while making the rental system simpler.

Key points in brief:

• Ends Section 21 “no-fault” evictions so landlords must have a valid reason to end a tenancy.

• Moves all tenancies to periodic agreements (rolling contracts with no fixed end date).

• Strengthens rights to keep pets and make reasonable home improvements.

• Improves notice periods and sets clearer rules on rent increases.

• Introduces a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to handle disputes without going to court.

It’s part of a wider effort to make renting fairer and more stable for tenants.

The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is an English court that handles disputes related to property and land, including matters such as rent increases, leasehold disputes, and issues with council house sales.

No.  Renters First is only able to support you in completing and submitting your Form 2 (Rental Increase Challenge) to the First-Tier Tribunal.  

Check out Citizens Advice or Shelter for further legal advice.

No.  Renters First will only help you submit your Form 2 to the correct tribunal, but after submission, Renters First will not be involved.

Here's a useful Section 13 rent increase validity checklist to be used as a guide. 

If you believe your Section 13 notice has not been prepared correctly, you may want to seek qualified legal advice.  Renter's First does not provide legal advice

1. Check your tenancy type

☐ It’s an assured or assured shorthold tenancy in England or Wales
☐ The tenancy is periodic (not fixed-term)
☐ If fixed-term, the tenancy agreement specifically allows rent increases

2. Confirm the correct form was used

☐ The notice is titled “Landlord’s Notice Proposing a New Rent under an Assured Periodic Tenancy of Premises Situated in England”
☐ It uses Form 4 (the official prescribed form)
☐ It includes:

• Current rent

• Proposed new rent

• Date the new rent takes effect

• Property address

• Landlord’s name and address

• Tenant’s name
  ☐ It includes your right to refer to the First-tier Tribunal
  ☐ It contains the official tenant guidance notes

3. Check the notice period

☐ At least two months’ notice given (under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025)
☐ The increase date falls after the required notice period

4. Frequency of rent increases

☐ No other Section 13 notice served in the past 12 months

5. Effective date of new rent

☐ The new rent starts on the same day your rent is normally due (matches rental period)
☐ The proposed date allows the correct notice period

6. Signatures and details

☐ Signed and dated by the landlord or authorised agent
☐ Landlord’s details are complete and correct

7. Timing against tenancy events

☐ Notice served after fixed term ends, or in line with a permitted rent review clause
☐ No other contractual rent review clause conflicts with Section 13

8. Only one proposed rent

☐ Notice states one clear rent figure (no ranges or conditions)

9. Tenant guidance included

☐ The form includes the “Notes to Tenant” section explaining your right to challenge at the tribunal

If all boxes ticked: The notice appears valid — you can still challenge the amount if you believe it is unfair.

If any box unticked: The notice may be invalid — seek advice or consider disputing before it takes effect.

Renters First cannot provide legal advice about your tenancy or the validity of your Section 13 notice.