Rent Increase Calculator UK
Rent increases are one of the most sensitive conversations a landlord can have with a tenant. Under the Renters Rights Bill currently passing through Parliament, landlords will only be able to increase rent once per year using a Section 13 notice, with tenants having the right to challenge excessive increases at a First-tier Tribunal. This calculator shows the financial impact of any proposed rent increase and helps you check whether it is within reasonable market boundaries.
Why this matters
A poorly handled rent increase can trigger a tenant to leave — costing far more in void and re-letting costs than the rent increase would have delivered. Understanding both the financial impact and the legal process is essential.
Key points
- Under the Renters Rights Bill (expected 2025), rent can only be increased once every 12 months
- Increases must be to market rent — above-market increases can be challenged at tribunal
- Section 13 notices require 2 months' notice before the new rent takes effect
- Tenants can challenge increases at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
- CPI, wage growth, and local market comparables are all relevant to fair increases
- Maintaining good tenant relations is often worth more than maximising rent annually
Frequently asked questions
How much can I increase rent by in 2024?
There is no statutory cap on residential rent increases in England (unlike Scotland's rent control measures). However, increases must be to 'market rent' to be legally defensible. Under the Renters Rights Bill (expected to become law in 2025), landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months.
How do I legally increase my tenant's rent?
The standard process is to serve a Section 13 notice (Form 4), giving at least 2 months' notice of the proposed new rent. The notice must be served correctly — an incorrect or informal notice is not legally effective. If the tenant disagrees with the amount, they can apply to the First-tier Tribunal to have it assessed.
Can a tenant refuse a rent increase?
A tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal to challenge a rent increase proposed via a valid Section 13 notice. The tribunal will assess what 'market rent' is for the property — they can confirm, reduce, or increase the proposed rent based on comparables.
How should I justify a rent increase to my tenant?
Refer to comparable properties in the area (use Rightmove, Zoopla, or local agent data), the increase in mortgage costs, general inflation, or improvements you have made to the property. A fair, market-rate increase with a clear explanation is much less likely to be challenged or to trigger the tenant to leave.