Rent increases in the UK from 1 May 2026: Section 13 rules, tenant rights & first-tier tribunal guidance
Understanding the UK Renters’ Rights Act: Key considerations for mobility teams
From 1 May 2026, significant changes will reshape how rent increases are managed for personal tenancies in the UK, introducing a clearer, more regulated process focused on transparency and market fairness. Under the new framework, landlords will only be able to increase rent using a formal Section 13 notice, which must provide at least two months’ written notice and can only be issued once within any 12-month period.
For tenants, this reform strengthens procedural protection and introduces a structured route to challenge increases considered above market value. If a tenant disagrees with a proposed rent rise, they may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the notice expires. The Tribunal will then assess the property against comparable market rents and determine a fair value.
Importantly, the Tribunal process is designed to be tenant-accessible and evidence-based. It may rely on written submissions, including comparable rental properties, property condition, tenancy history, and local market data. While it can confirm or adjust the proposed rent, it cannot set a rent higher than what the landlord originally requested.
A key change under the 2026 rules is the removal of backdating. If a rent increase is challenged, the current rent remains in place until the Tribunal reaches a decision, and tenants will not be required to pay any arrears for the review period. Once decided, the new rent applies prospectively only.
To initiate a challenge, tenants must submit an application to the Tribunal before the Section 13 notice expires, accompanied by a £47 filing fee introduced from May 2026.
Additionally, the reforms abolish Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, ensuring that tenants can challenge rent increases without the risk of eviction solely for exercising this right.
Overall, the updated system aims to balance landlord pricing flexibility with stronger tenant safeguards, ensuring rent increases remain aligned with genuine market conditions while improving fairness and dispute resolution transparency.
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