Use this before a proposed increase goes out. Work down it in order: each step depends on the one before. It is a list, not advice — where a step turns on the law, the linked guide says what the rule is and where it comes from.
1. Can you raise the rent at all?
- The tenancy is an assured tenancy in England, where a rent increase goes through Section 13 and Form 4A.
- At least 52 weeks since the tenancy began or since the last increase that took effect. A notice that never took effect does not use up the 52 weeks.
- No other increase is pending on the same tenancy.
Check the dates in the Section 13 rent increase calculator and read a notice that never took effect.
2. The number
- Current rent, proposed rent and the percentage between them.
- Achieved rents for similar homes nearby — let, not just advertised — with dates and sources.
- The ONS private rent index for the area, as an anchor rather than a target.
- Tribunal decisions for similar homes in the region, and how often proposed increases were cut.
Test the figure in the tribunal risk checker, then read will this increase survive?.
3. The people
- Landlord approval of the figure, on the record, before anything is served.
- Every joint tenant named — a notice goes to all of them.
- If an agent serves, the agreement gives the agent authority to serve.
- If someone is a tenant here and a landlord elsewhere, those records kept apart.
See authority to serve and approving a review.
4. The form and the date
- The current prescribed form (Form 4A), checked against GOV.UK on the day you prepare it.
- A start date that gives at least the minimum notice and falls at the start of a rental period.
- The proposed rent, the start date and the names match the tenancy record exactly.
- Signed by the landlord, or by the agent with authority.
Read Section 13 and Form 4A and the two-month minimum.
5. Service and proof
- The service method allowed by the tenancy (post, by hand, or email if agreed in writing).
- Proof kept at the time: certificate of posting, a photo, a witness, or the email and any reply.
- The notice, the evidence behind the figure and the proof stored together on the property file.
See serving by post and recording service.
6. If the tenant applies to the tribunal
- The evidence pack is ready: comparables, condition, the notice and proof of service.
- Everyone knows the increase does not start while the referral is open.
- The file is on legal hold so nothing in it is deleted.
Read what the tribunal can do and the evidence pack.
Not legal advice. England, private rented sector.
