Section 13 notice (rent increase)

A Section 13 notice is the formal, legal process a landlord uses to increase the rent on a residential property in England and Wales. It refers to Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.

This notice is typically used when a tenancy has moved into a periodic phase (rolling month-to-month) and there is no specific "rent review clause" in the original contract. It ensures that rent increases are transparent and gives tenants a formal window to either accept the new price or challenge it.

View government provided information on rent increases here.

How it Works

• The Notice Period: Landlords must give at least one month’s notice (for a monthly tenancy) before the new rent starts.
• Frequency: A Section 13 notice can usually only be served once every 12 months.
• Fair Market Value: The proposed increase must be realistic and in line with similar properties in the local area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want? Not exactly. During a Fixed-Term Tenancy, the rent can usually only be increased if you agree to it or if there is a "rent review clause" in your Tenancy Agreement. Once you are on a rolling contract, they must use a Section 13 notice if you don't agree to the increase informally.

What can I do if I think the increase is too high? If the proposed rent is significantly higher than the local market rate, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). They will decide if the increase is fair. However, you must do this before the date the new rent is set to start.

Do I have to sign a Section 13 notice? No, you don’t need to sign it for it to be valid. However, if you start paying the new increased amount, this is usually seen as "deemed acceptance" of the new rent.