Section 13 rent increase notice tool, UK 2026
Raise rent properly, once a year, tribunal-ready.
After 1 May 2026, Section 13 is the only way to increase rent on an assured periodic tenancy, and only once per 12 months with 2 months' notice. Get any part wrong and the tenant can challenge the increase at the First-tier Tribunal, potentially losing you the increase entirely.
12-month cooldown
Blocks you from serving a second Section 13 within 12 months, the most common reason increases get thrown out.
Market-rent evidence pack
Pulls comparable rents from Rightmove and OpenRent for your area, so the tribunal sees you weren't being arbitrary.
Form 4 generator
Outputs the official GOV.UK Form 4 with all dates and calculations correct.
What it does
- Validates 12-month cooldown from previous rent review
- Calculates earliest-possible effective date (2 months + next rent day)
- Generates GOV.UK Form 4 ready to serve
- Attaches comparable-rent evidence pack
- Logs service proof per tenant
- Reminds you 14 months after the last increase so you never miss the next window
Who it\'s for
Every landlord letting an assured tenancy in England who wants to increase rent legally and defensibly after RRA 2026.
The legal basis
Section 13 Housing Act 1988 as amended; Form 4 prescribed by The Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) (England) Regulations 2015. Rent-review clauses in tenancy agreements are invalid after 1 May 2026 except for the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
Guidance only, not legal advice. Always verify with your solicitor for contested matters.
FAQs
Can I still use a rent-review clause in my tenancy agreement?
No, not post-1 May 2026 (except arguably during the first 12 months of a brand-new tenancy). Use Section 13 instead.
What if the tenant challenges the increase?
They can refer it to the First-tier Tribunal. The tribunal will set the market rent, which may be higher or lower than you proposed. Our evidence pack helps you defend the figure.
Can I negotiate informally?
Yes, a mutually signed rent variation is always fine. Section 13 is for unilateral increases.
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