Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements: what they mean and your rights

Some tenancy agreements carry a rent review clause: a term letting the landlord raise the rent at set points. Here is how the clauses work, what your rights are, and what to do if a proposed rise looks unfair.

What is a rent review clause?

A rent review clause sat in a fixed-term agreement and allowed the rent to change at set points during the term. Without one, a landlord generally could not raise the rent mid-term.

Common types of rent review clause include:

• A set yearly rate: the rent rises by a fixed percentage each year, say two percent
• Index-linked: the rent follows a measure such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Landlord's discretion: the landlord proposes a new rent at the review point, and the tenant accepts or leaves

The clause's exact wording decides how the review works.

Does the landlord have to follow the clause?

Yes. Where the clause sets a process, say notice a set time before the review date, the landlord must follow it. Skip it, and the rise may not be valid.

Can the landlord increase the rent above what the clause allows?

No. A clause with a cap or a formula binds the landlord to it. A rise beyond what the clause allows can be challenged.

What if I disagree with a rent increase under a review clause?

A formula clause: check the sums. If the clause says CPI and the landlord applied more, dispute it in writing.

A propose-a-new-rent clause: some say the new rent must be a market rent. If it looks above market, you may be able to challenge it, sometimes at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), depending on the wording and tenancy type. Take advice on your specific clause.

An unfair clause: the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires consumer contract terms, tenancies included, to be fair and clear. A clause allowing unlimited rises, or giving the landlord free rein with no tenant protection, may be unfair and unenforceable. Ask a housing solicitor or Citizens Advice.

What happens at the end of a fixed term if there is no rent review clause?

Once a tenancy runs as periodic, rolling weekly or monthly, the landlord uses the statutory route to raise rent: a Section 13 notice, on the prescribed form, with the required notice, starting from the first day of a rental period. You can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal before it takes effect.

Can I negotiate the rent review clause before signing?

Yes, like any other term. You might ask for a cap, or an index link instead of the landlord's discretion. Not every landlord agrees, but it costs nothing to ask. Get any agreed change in writing.

What about the Renters' Rights Act 2025?

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 ended fixed-term tenancies: since 1 May 2026 new tenancies are periodic from the start, and tenancies that existed at commencement converted to periodic then. With no fixed terms, the old-style review clause has nothing to operate inside.

Rent rises now run through the statutory process, once a year with proper notice, and you can challenge an excessive rise at the tribunal. How an old review clause in a converted tenancy is treated depends on the Act's transitional rules: take advice if your agreement has one.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We help tenants with housing disrepair claims. Serious disrepair, damp, mould or broken heating may entitle you to compensation, separate from any rent issue.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Section 13, Housing Act 1988 (rent increases) (legislation.gov.uk)
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 (unfair terms) (legislation.gov.uk)