Section 13 Rent Increase Notice Template

Why Section 13?

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 makes all tenancies periodic and voids any rent review clauses in tenancy agreements. The only way to increase rent is through a Section 13 notice (Housing Act 1988 s.13), using the prescribed Form 4.

Key rules

• Frequency — Rent can only be increased once every 12 months
• Notice period — Minimum 2 months before the increase takes effect
• Form — Must use prescribed Form 4
• Market rent — The proposed rent should reflect the market rent for the property
• Tenant's right to challenge — Tenant can refer the increase to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

What the notice must contain

1. Full name and address of the landlord
2. Full name of the tenant(s)
3. Address of the property
4. Current rent amount and payment frequency
5. Proposed new rent amount
6. Date from which the new rent takes effect
7. Statement that the tenant can refer to the tribunal

Tribunal referral

If the tenant refers the increase to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), the tribunal will determine a market rent. The tribunal's decision is binding on both parties. Under the Renters' Rights Act, rent increases significantly above CPI + 1% may face scrutiny.

Common mistakes

• Using a rent review clause — These are now void under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
• Insufficient notice — Must give at least 2 months, not 1 month
• Wrong form — Must use prescribed Form 4, not an informal letter
• Increasing too often — Only once per 12-month period