Raising Rent on Periodic Tenancies: The Legal Process Many Landlords Miss

For many landlords, increasing rent feels straightforward—simply inform the tenant and adjust the payment. However, in the UK, raising rent on a periodic tenancy follows a specific legal process, and failing to follow it correctly can invalidate the increase.

Surprisingly, many landlords unknowingly make mistakes that could lead to disputes, rejected increases, or even legal challenges from tenants. With rental regulations evolving and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 reforms approaching, understanding the correct process is becoming increasingly important.

Why Rent Increases Require a Formal Process

When a tenancy becomes periodic—meaning it rolls month-to-month after the fixed term ends—the rules for rent increases change.

Unlike fixed-term agreements, where rent increases may already be specified in the contract, periodic tenancies typically require landlords to follow a formal legal notice procedure to raise the rent.

Skipping this process or relying on informal communication can make the increase legally unenforceable.

The Common Mistakes Landlords Make

Many landlords unintentionally raise rent incorrectly because they rely on quick or informal methods.

Common mistakes include:

While these approaches might seem convenient, they can create problems later if the tenant disputes the increase.

If the process is not legally compliant, the tenant may challenge the increase through a tribunal, which could result in the notice being rejected.

The Correct Legal Process: Section 13 Notices

For most periodic tenancies in England, landlords must use a Section 13 Notice to legally increase rent.

This notice formally informs the tenant of the proposed new rent and provides the required notice period before the change takes effect.

A valid notice must include:

If any of these elements are missing or incorrect, the notice may be considered invalid.

Why Getting It Wrong Can Cause Problems

An incorrectly issued rent increase can lead to several complications for landlords.

Tenants have the right to challenge a Section 13 notice through a tribunal if they believe the increase is unfair or improperly served.

If the tribunal finds the notice invalid or the increase unreasonable, it may:

Aside from potential financial impact, this process can also create additional administrative work and strain the landlord-tenant relationship.

Rental Regulations Are Changing

The Renters' Rights Act 2025, expected to take effect in 2026, will introduce significant reforms to the private rental sector in England.

Among the key changes affecting rent increases are:

These changes mean landlords will need to be even more organised when managing tenancy details and compliance requirements.

Why Rent Increase Compliance Is Challenging

Today's landlords are managing far more than just collecting rent.

They must keep track of:

Without a structured system, it becomes easy to miss deadlines or overlook key legal requirements.

Making Compliance Easier with Propell

Digital tools are increasingly helping landlords stay organised and compliant with rental regulations.

With Propell, landlords can manage key tenancy information and compliance tasks from a single dashboard.

Key features include:

By centralising tenancy management, landlords can reduce errors, avoid disputes, and ensure rent increases are handled correctly.

Staying Compliant in an Evolving Rental Market

Raising rent legally on a periodic tenancy isn't just about adjusting the numbers—it's about following the correct legal framework.

As regulations continue to evolve, staying organised and informed will be essential for landlords who want to protect their investments and maintain positive tenant relationships.

With the right processes, and the right tools, landlords can handle rent increases confidently and compliantly.

To check exactly when you can lawfully raise the rent, try our free Rent Increase Calculator. It works out your earliest valid Section 13 date under the two-month notice and 12-month rules.