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

Some tenancy agreements include a rent review clause, a term that allows the landlord to increase the rent at set intervals during the tenancy. Here is how rent review clauses work, what your rights are, and what to do if you think a proposed increase is unfair.

What is a rent review clause?

A rent review clause is a provision in a fixed-term tenancy agreement that allows the rent to be changed at a specific point or points during the fixed term. Without such a clause, a landlord generally cannot increase the rent during a fixed term.

Common types of rent review clause include:

• Annual review at a set rate: the rent increases by a specific percentage each year (for example, two percent)
• Review linked to an index: the rent is linked to a measure such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Retail Price Index (RPI)
• Review at the landlord's discretion: the landlord can propose a new rent at the review point, with the tenant able to accept or leave

The specific wording of the clause in your tenancy agreement determines exactly how the review works.

Does the landlord have to follow the clause?

Yes. If a rent review clause sets out a specific process, for example, giving a certain period of notice before the review date, the landlord must follow that process. If they do not, the proposed increase may not be valid.

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

No. If the clause sets a maximum or a formula, the landlord cannot increase the rent beyond what the clause permits. If the landlord tries to increase the rent above what the clause allows, you can challenge it.

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

If the clause sets a formula: check whether the landlord has applied it correctly. If the clause says rent increases by CPI and the landlord has applied a higher figure, you can dispute this in writing.

If the clause allows the landlord to propose a new rent: some clauses say the proposed rent must be a market rent. If you believe the proposed rent is above the market rate, you may be able to challenge it. Depending on the wording of the clause and the type of tenancy, a referral to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) may be available. Take legal advice on whether this applies to your specific clause and tenancy.

If the clause is unfair: the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that terms in consumer contracts (including tenancy agreements) are fair and transparent. A clause that allows unlimited rent increases or gives the landlord unconstrained discretion with no protection for the tenant may be considered unfair and potentially unenforceable. Take advice from a housing solicitor or Citizens Advice.

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

Once the fixed term ends and the tenancy continues as a periodic tenancy (rolling weekly or monthly), the landlord can use the statutory process to increase the rent, usually a Section 13 notice, which must be in the prescribed form, give the required notice, and propose a rate from the first day of a rental period. You have the right to challenge a Section 13 increase at the First-tier Tribunal before it takes effect.

Can I negotiate the rent review clause before signing?

Yes. Like any other term in a tenancy agreement, you can try to negotiate the rent review clause before signing. You might ask for the review to be limited to a maximum percentage, or to be linked to an index rather than left to the landlord's discretion. Not all landlords will agree, but it is worth trying, and getting any agreed changes in writing.

What about the Renters' Rights Act 2025?

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes fixed-term tenancies for new tenancies, converting them all to periodic tenancies. Under the new rules, there will be no fixed terms during which a rent review clause could operate in the traditional sense. Rent increases will instead be handled through the statutory Section 13 process (or a new equivalent under the Act), with a right to challenge at the tribunal. The wording of the Act and any transitional provisions will govern how this affects current tenancies with existing rent review clauses.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims. If your home has serious disrepair, damp, mould, broken heating, you may be entitled to compensation, separate from any rent increase 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)