UKCan my landlord increase the rent mid-tenancy?
No, your landlord generally cannot increase the rent mid-tenancy unless your tenancy agreement allows it or you both agree in writing — and even then, strict rules under the Housing Act 1988 apply.
What the Law Says
The Housing Act 1988 sets out strict conditions under which a landlord can increase rent during an assured or assured shorthold tenancy. Most importantly, rent cannot be raised unilaterally — it requires either a clause in the tenancy agreement permitting increases, mutual written agreement, or formal use of a statutory procedure.
For periodic tenancies (e.g., month-to-month after a fixed term ends), landlords must use a 'Section 13 notice' to propose a rent increase. This notice must be in the prescribed form, give at least one month’s notice for weekly/monthly tenancies (or six months’ for yearly tenancies), and cannot be issued more than once every 12 months.
If you disagree with the proposed increase, you can refer the matter to a First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) within one month of receiving the notice. The tribunal will decide whether the new rent is fair and market-accurate.
Crucially, a Section 13 notice does not apply during a fixed-term tenancy — rent cannot be increased mid-fixed-term unless the tenancy agreement explicitly permits it (e.g., via a rent review clause) and both parties agree in writing.
Statutory TextA landlord may not increase the rent payable under an assured tenancy except in accordance with this section.
— Housing Act 1988, s. 13 — Rent increases
What to Do
Check your tenancy agreement for any rent review clause — if none exists, your landlord cannot raise rent during a fixed term.
If you’re in a periodic tenancy and receive a Section 13 notice, verify it’s in the correct legal form and gives proper notice (1 month for monthly tenancies).
If you dispute the increase, submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) within 1 month of the notice date.
Never pay an increased rent unless you’ve agreed to it in writing or the Section 13 process has been lawfully completed.
Keep copies of all correspondence, notices, and tenancy documents as evidence.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.