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What UK Landlords Need to Know Now
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now live – and for landlords, the way you increase rent has fundamentally changed.
As of 1st May 2026, the days of multiple annual increases or complex rent-review clauses are over. In their place is a simpler, fairer, but more regulated system: one increase every 12 months, with two months’ notice, rental price backed by market evidence.
At Aston Knowles, we’ve been preparing our landlords for this shift for months. Here’s what the new rent increase rules mean for you – and how we help you stay compliant with minimum stress.
The new rent increase rules at a glance
Frequency Maximum once every 12 months
Notice period Minimum 2 months
Method Section 13 process only (no rent-review clauses)
Amount Must reflect true market rent
Tenant challenge First-tier Tribunal can set market rate
Why this matters for you
For landlords who already take a professional, evidence-based approach, this change is less of a shock and more of a standardisation. But if your proposed increase isn’t backed by robust local market data, tenants can – and will – challenge it. And during a tribunal, they pay the old rent until a decision is made.
Therefore preparation is everything and that’s where we can help.
How Aston Knowles makes this work for you
Our team handles the entire rent review process so you stay compliant, keep income flowing, and avoid disputes.
We’ll help you with:
· Market analysis – We benchmark your rent against real-time local data, not guesswork.
· Section 13 notices – Served correctly, on time, every time.
· Tenant communication – Professional, clear, and proactive to reduce friction.
· Record keeping – Full audit trails in case of a tribunal challenge.
Already thinking about your next rent review? Whether you’re due to review soon or just want peace of mind, speak to us. We’ll make sure your increase is defensible, compliant, and positioned correctly.
FAQs – What landlords are asking us right now
Q. Should I increase the rent immediately to the maximum market rate, now the Act is in force?
A. We don’t recommend aggressive above-market increases. The tribunal will judge against true market rent, so an unreasonable rise could backfire. Focus on fair, evidence-based adjustments – that’s what holds up under scrutiny.
Q. If my tenant disputes the increase, what happens to my income during the tribunal process?
A. The tenant continues paying the existing rent while the tribunal reviews the case. If the tribunal approves a higher figure, the new rent applies from the date they decide – not retrospectively from your notice date. That’s why getting it right first time matters.
Q. What if market rents fall? Do I have to lower my rent?
A. No. You’re never forced to reduce rent. However, any increase you propose must be justified against current market conditions at that moment. If the market has dropped, you may want to pause your increase plans.
Q. Can I increase the rent for a new tenant within 12 months of the previous tenant’s increase?
A. Yes. The “once every 12 months” rule applies during a single tenancy. If a tenant leaves and you re-let the property, you can set a new, higher market rent for the incoming tenant immediately – as long as it reflects true market value.
Q. What about my old tenancy agreements with rent-review clauses – are they useless now?
A. Correct. Any existing rent-review clause is now invalid. You must use the Section 13 process for all rent increases going forward, regardless of what your old contract says.
Need a second pair of eyes on your rent strategy?
Every property is different. Whether you own a single luxury apartment or a portfolio across the region, the new rules affect your cash flow and compliance. We’re offering confidential, no-obligation chats to help landlords get clear on their next steps.
Contact Aston Knowles today – let’s make the new rules work for you.
0121 362 7878 / enquiries@astonknowles.com
