RENT INCREASES
Under the Renters Rights Bill, rent increase protocols have been revised to create a more structured and tenant-friendly process. Landlords are no longer able to raise rents at their discretion; instead, they must follow a standardised procedure, providing tenants with clear notice and justification for any rent adjustments. Once a year, landlords will be able to increase rents up to the market rate (defined as the price that would be achieved for the property as a newly advertised let) by issuing a Section 13 notice which sets out the new rent and gives at least two months’ notice before it takes effect. If a tenant believes the proposed rent increase is excessive or unjustified, they have the right to challenge it through the First-Tier Tribunal. This process allows the tenant to present evidence, such as market comparisons or proof of property condition, to argue that the proposed rent increase is unreasonable.
During the review period, the rent cannot be raised, providing the tenant with a temporary reprieve from the increase until the issue is resolved. The tribunal will then assess the proposed rent in relation to market rates, property conditions, and the tenant’s position before making a determination on whether the increase is permissible. This structured process requires landlords to be transparent, reasonable, and compliant with notice periods, while also empowering tenants to contest excessive rent hikes. For landlords, it underscores the importance of basing rent adjustments on current market data.
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