Rent Increase Calculator
Calculate rent increases and Section 13 notice periods
Calculate how much your rent will increase in pounds and percentage terms, when the increase can take effect, and the minimum notice period required under Section 13.
Calculate by New Rent Amount
Enter your current rent and the proposed new rent to calculate the increase.
Calculate by Percentage Increase
Enter your current rent and the percentage increase to calculate the new rent.
Understanding Rent Increases
Is there a legal maximum for rent increases?
No. There is no legal cap on rent increases in England. However, increases must be "fair and realistic" - meaning they should reflect the market rate for similar properties in the area. Tenants can challenge unreasonable increases at the First-tier Tribunal.
How much notice is required?
The minimum notice period depends on how often rent is paid:
- Weekly/Fortnightly/Monthly: 1 month minimum
- Quarterly: 3 months minimum
- Yearly: 6 months minimum
The new rent must take effect on a rent day (the day rent is normally due).
When can I increase rent?
- Periodic tenancies: Once per year using Section 13 notice
- Fixed-term tenancies: Only if there's a rent review clause in the tenancy agreement, or when it becomes periodic
- Cannot increase rent during first year of tenancy (unless rent review clause exists)
Section 13 Process
- Check tenancy type and rent payment frequency
- Research market rates for similar properties
- Serve Section 13 notice with minimum notice period
- Specify the date the increase takes effect (must be a rent day)
- Tenant has 28 days before effective date to challenge at tribunal
- If not challenged, new rent applies automatically
Can tenants challenge increases?
Yes. Tenants can refer a Section 13 rent increase to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if they believe it's unreasonable. They must do this at least 28 days before the new rent is due to take effect.
The tribunal will assess comparable rents in the area and may set a different rent amount. If the tenant challenges:
- The landlord cannot serve a Section 21 notice for 6 months (currently - until Section 21 is abolished)
- The tribunal's decision is binding
- The tenant does not need legal representation
What makes a rent increase "reasonable"?
The First-tier Tribunal considers:
- Rent charged for comparable properties in the area
- Property condition, size, and location
- Changes made to the property since tenancy began
- Local market conditions and demand
Excessive increases well above market rate, or increases designed to force tenants out, are likely to be reduced by the tribunal.
Generate a Section 13 Notice
Once you've calculated your rent increase, use our Section 13 Notice Generator to create a legally compliant notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I increase rent mid-tenancy?
Only if your tenancy agreement includes a rent review clause. Otherwise, you must wait until the fixed term ends and the tenancy becomes periodic, then use Section 13.
Do I need the tenant's permission to increase rent?
No. If you follow the Section 13 process correctly, the tenant does not need to agree. However, they can challenge the increase at tribunal if they believe it's unreasonable.
What if the tenant doesn't pay the increased rent?
If you served a valid Section 13 notice and the tenant doesn't challenge it at tribunal, the new rent applies automatically. Non-payment of the increased rent is rent arrears, which can be grounds for Section 8 eviction (Ground 8, 10, or 11).
Can I increase rent more than once a year?
No. Section 13 can only be used once per year for periodic tenancies. For fixed-term tenancies with rent review clauses, check the clause wording - it may specify how often rent can be reviewed.
What happens if I don't give enough notice?
The Section 13 notice is invalid if you don't provide the minimum notice period. The tenant can ignore it and continue paying the old rent. You would need to serve a new, correctly dated notice.
Can I agree a rent increase informally with my tenant?
Yes. You and your tenant can agree any rent increase informally. However, it's best practice to confirm this in writing (even if not using a formal Section 13 notice) to avoid disputes later.
Does a rent increase affect the deposit?
No. The deposit protection scheme does not require you to increase the deposit when rent increases. However, you can negotiate a higher deposit with the tenant if both parties agree.
What if my tenant has a guarantor?
Check the guarantor agreement. Most guarantor agreements cover the original rent amount only. If you increase rent, you may need the guarantor to sign a new agreement or deed of variation to cover the higher amount.
Can I increase rent because my costs have gone up?
Yes, but the increase must still be reasonable and reflect market rates. The tribunal won't approve an increase simply because your mortgage or service charges have increased - the rent must be in line with comparable properties.
What notice format must I use?
You must use Form 4 (Section 13 notice) for assured and assured shorthold tenancies. Our Section 13 Notice Generator creates compliant notices automatically.