Rent Increase Notice (Section 13)
A notice under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 used to increase rent on an assured periodic tenancy. Requires at least one month's notice and can only be used once in any 12-month period. Tenants can challenge the increase at the First-tier Tribunal.
At a glance
- Frequency
- Once in any 12-month period
- Notice
- At least 1 month
- Challenge route
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
Full guide
Read the complete landlord guide on Rent Increase Notice (Section 13)
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Open full guideWhy Rent Increase Notice (Section 13) matters for landlords
Under RRA 2025, Section 13 is the only lawful rent-review mechanism on an assured periodic tenancy in England. Tenants can refer a raised rent to the First-tier Tribunal which has the power to cap the increase at the open-market rate — so landlords should evidence their proposed rent against Rightmove/ONS data. The 12-month rule is a hard minimum; a second notice inside 12 months is void.
Official sources
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
Section 13 Notice
The only lawful way to raise rent on an assured periodic tenancy. One increase per 12 months with at least one month's notice. Tenant can refer to the First-tier Tribunal which can cap the rent at market rate.
Renters Rights Act 2025
UK legislation that received Royal Assent in 2025 and came fully into force on 1 May 2026. Abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, converted all ASTs to periodic tenancies, extended the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS, introduced a private rented sector database and gave tenants the right to request pets.
Right to Rent
The legal requirement on all private landlords in England to check every adult occupier has the legal right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts. Introduced by the Immigration Act 2014. Fines: £1,000 per adult for a first offence, rising to £20,000 for repeat breaches.
Arrears (Rent Arrears)
Unpaid rent that is past its due date. Ground 8 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (mandatory) requires at least 3 months of rent arrears under the Renters Rights Act 2025 (previously 2 months). Grounds 10 and 11 remain as discretionary grounds.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
The most common form of private tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026 all existing ASTs converted to assured periodic tenancies under the Renters Rights Act 2025, and new fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created for most residential lets.
Awaab's Law
Provisions extending to the private rented sector under the Renters Rights Act 2025 that set strict timescales for landlords to investigate and remedy hazards such as damp and mould. Named after Awaab Ishak. Breach can lead to tenant compensation and enforcement by the local housing authority.