Landlords can only put up rent in certain ways and with notice. You can challenge an unfair increase. Here is how rent increases work and who can help.
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Direct answer
Your landlord can only increase your rent in certain ways, usually once a year and with proper notice. If you think an increase is unfair, you may be able to challenge it. This is not something we handle, but here is how it works and who can help. For free advice, contact Citizens Advice or Shelter on 0808 800 4444.
How rent increases usually work
- For most rolling tenancies, the landlord uses a formal notice to propose a new rent, and can normally only do this once a year.
- They must give you proper notice before the new rent starts.
- The increase should be realistic for similar homes in your area.
The exact rules depend on your type of tenancy, so it is worth checking yours.
If you think it is unfair
You may be able to ask the First-tier Tribunal to look at the increase. Citizens Advice and Shelter can guide you through it.
Do not just stop paying
If you are struggling with rent, get advice early. See help with rent arrears and housing benefit.
If your home is in disrepair
If your rent is going up while your landlord ignores repairs, the disrepair part is us. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim
Sources
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 25 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.