Dealing with a rent increase

Yes, your landlord can put up your rent.

But they must do so in line with the law and your tenancy agreement.

For example, if you’re on a fixed-term tenancy, such as six or 12 months, rent can only go up if you agree, usually when the fixed term ends.

And if you’re on a periodic tenancy, rolling week-to-week or month-to-month, rent can normally only be increased once a year without your agreement.

If you’re worried about the possibility of rents going, it could be worth checking your tenancy agreement to see if there’s a rent review clause specifying when and how rent can increase.

For most private tenants, there are no rent controls.

But a rent increase is expected to be fair, realistic and in line with similar properties in your area.

Landlords should also make sure that rents don’t go up by a huge and unreasonable amount without explanation.

Paying the new rent usually counts as accepting the increase, even if you’re not happy with what you’re being charged.

The government has ruled out introducing rent controls, but it is planning to change the law to give tenants more protection against unreasonable increases.

The renters’ rights bill won’t stop landlords from raising rents in line with market prices.

However, it will mean they can only raise rents once a year using a standard process - serving a Section 13 notice with at least two months’ notice.

And if tenants believe a rent increase exceeds the market rate, they’ll be able to challenge it at the First-tier tribunal.

The proposed law also bans other ways of increasing rent, such as rent review clauses, so all parties are clear on their rights and responsibilities.

If you pay rent weekly or monthly, your landlord must give you at least one month’s written notice before any rent increase takes effect.

If you have a yearly tenancy, your landlord must give you at least six months’ written notice.

Landlords must follow the correct legal procedure when putting up rent.

For periodic tenancies (rolling weekly or monthly agreements), they must use a Section 13 notice to propose the increase.

For fixed-term tenancy renewals, the landlord and tenant must agree to any new rent in writing as part of the renewal agreement.

You can easily see if a rent increase is fair by comparing it with average rents for similar properties in your area.

That will give you an idea of whether the increase genuinely reflects the market rate or if you’re being charged over the odds.

If you don’t think you can afford to pay more in rent, speak to your landlord as soon as possible.

Explain your situation clearly and politely, so you can constructively discuss options such as: 

• postponing the increase to a later date
• increasing your rent by a smaller amount

It could be worth working out your budget and having these figures to hand, so you can explain how much you’re able to pay and why the rent hike they’re proposing is too much.

You might find that your landlord is only too willing to have this conversation with you in a positive and constructive way.

After all, many would much rather keep a reliable tenant instead of risk having a vacant property.

But remember, your landlord can’t force you to accept a rent increase, as any pressure or threats could be seen as harassment.

If you can’t reach an agreement with your landlord, you may be able to appeal to a rent tribunal to formally challenge the increase.

This process is free to apply for.

But remember that while you’re challenging the increase, you have to keep paying your current rent, or you’ll fall into arrears.

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your rent, then options are available.

Our budget calculator can help you identify where possible savings can be made, so you can prioritise your spending and free up cash for vital expenses.

It’s also worth using our benefits calculator to find out if you’re getting all the state support you might be eligible for, such as universal credit or pension credit.

You could also contact your local council to see if you’re eligible for a discretionary housing payment (DHP).

DHPs are available to people whose housing benefits don’t cover their full rent and who are struggling to make up the shortfall.

Apply through your council. They’ll decide: 

• whether to give you a DHP
• how much you’ll get
• how long you’ll get the payment for