UKMy landlord wants me to sign a new tenancy with higher rent or leave.
Your landlord cannot force you to sign a new tenancy with higher rent — they must follow the legal process under section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, which gives you the right to challenge an unfair rent increase.
What the Law Says
If you’re on an assured shorthold tenancy (the most common type in England and Wales), your landlord must follow strict rules to lawfully increase your rent. Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 sets out how and when rent can be raised during a periodic tenancy — that is, after the fixed term has ended and the tenancy continues on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis.
Your landlord cannot simply ask you to sign a new agreement with higher rent — unless you agree voluntarily. If you refuse, they cannot evict you just for saying no. Instead, they must use the formal procedure in section 13.
Under this process, the landlord must serve you a written 'notice of increase' using the correct form (Form 4). The notice must give at least two months’ notice and specify the new rent and when it will start. It only applies to periodic tenancies — not during a fixed term unless the tenancy agreement allows for increases.
You have 30 days from the date the notice is served to refer the proposed rent to a First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). If you do, the increase does not take effect until the Tribunal decides — and it may set a fairer rent.
Statutory TextA landlord under a periodic tenancy who wishes to increase the rent payable under the tenancy may give to the tenant a notice in writing stating— (a) the amount of the proposed new rent; and (b) the date on which that rent is to take effect.
— Housing Act 1988, s. 13 — Procedure for increasing rent under periodic tenancies
What to Do
Check whether your tenancy is still in its fixed term — if yes, a rent increase usually requires your agreement or a clause in the contract.
If it’s a periodic tenancy, confirm whether your landlord has served a valid section 13 notice (in writing, with correct notice period and Form 4).
If you think the new rent is unreasonable, submit a referral to the First-tier Tribunal within 30 days of receiving the notice.
Do not sign any new agreement under pressure — you have legal protections even if your landlord threatens eviction.
Seek free advice from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a local housing officer.
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.