What rights do renters have when the rent goes up?

1. Understanding how your rent can be increased

• If you have a fixed-term tenancy, your landlord cannot increase the rent during the fixed term unless the agreement explicitly allows for it. Shelter England
• Once a tenancy rolls onto a periodic (month-to-month) basis, a landlord must follow the formal Section 13 process (or secure your written agreement) before increasing rent. Citizens Advice
• Even when an increase is lawful, tenants have the right to be told clearly how and when it will take effect. Shelter England

2. What counts as a “fair” rent increase?

• Landlords should consider comparable local rents for similar properties when proposing an increase. Citizens Advice
• Reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act will require increases to stay “in line with the market” and give tenants stronger routes to challenge unreasonable rises. Anthony Gold
• Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 sets the statutory form for many rent increases and allows tenants to contest an amount that appears unreasonable. NRLA

3. When and how often can rent be increased?

• Rent review clauses must set out when and how much rent can change, though new reforms will limit their usefulness. The Independent Landlord
• For periodic tenancies, a Section 13 increase can usually only be issued once every 12 months. Total Landlord Insurance
• Under the Renters’ Rights Act (from May 2026), rent will be limited to one increase per year even if the agreement states otherwise. Anthony Gold

4. Your rights when the increase arrives

• Landlords should serve the correct notice (for example, Form 4 for Section 13) when raising rent on a periodic tenancy. NRLA
• Paying the new rent without objection can be treated as acceptance, so raise concerns promptly if you plan to challenge it. Citizens Advice
• You are entitled to ask for evidence, negotiate, or apply to the First-tier Tribunal if the increase looks out of line with similar properties. Citizens Advice

5. Practical steps if the increase feels unfair

• Check whether your tenancy agreement permits mid-term increases.
• Gather evidence of comparable rents nearby.
• Ask the landlord/agent to explain the data behind the new figure.
• Verify the notice form and timings (especially for Section 13).
• Keep paying the current rent while you challenge the new amount.
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal if you can’t agree and believe the increase is excessive.

Citizens Advice emphasises that you should not pay the higher rent if you intend to challenge it, but continue paying the existing amount until the dispute is resolved. Source

6. Changes coming with the Renters’ Rights Act

• Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will largely be replaced by rolling periodic tenancies. Clarion Solicitors
• Automatic rent-review clauses will be invalid, and landlords must serve formal notice for increases. Anthony Gold
• Tenants will have greater ability to challenge rent rises, potentially delaying them until the tribunal rules. Anthony Gold
• The reforms are scheduled to start on 1 May 2026 (England). Simply Business UK

Key sources & further reading

• Shelter England – Rent increases for private tenants
• Citizens Advice – Dealing with a rent increase
• NRLA – Increasing rent during a tenancy
• Anthony Gold Solicitors – Rent increases under the Renters’ Rights Bill
• Clarion Solicitors – Renters’ Rights Act overview
• The Independent Landlord – Renters’ Rights & rent increase rules
• Total Landlord Insurance – How to legally increase rent
• Simply Business – Renters’ Rights Bill changes

In summary

You do have rights when your rent is increased. Check your tenancy agreement, gather evidence on comparable rents, ask for justification, and challenge unreasonable increases via the proper process. The forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act should make those safeguards even stronger, so keep records and lean on the guidance above if you need to push back.