How much can a landlord increase rent in the UK in 2026?

From 1 May 2026, there is no legal limit on the amount a landlord can increase rent in England, but the increase must be to the open market rent for the property, meaning the rent a willing landlord would accept from a willing tenant at the time of the notice. A tenant who believes the proposed rent exceeds the open market rate can refer it to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the effective date, and the tribunal will set the rent at market level. Landlords should research local comparable rents before serving Form 4A, as a tribunal can set a rent lower than the proposed figure. The Section 13 process via Form 4A is now the only route to increase rent without tenant agreement, and can be used only once in any 12-month period. Two months' notice is the minimum.