The formal route
For assured periodic tenancies under the post-May 2026 rules, a landlord can normally increase rent only once a year and not during the first 12 months of a new tenancy. They must use Form 4A and give at least two months’ notice.
The proposed figure should reflect the open market rent for a similar property. A casual message asking for more money is not a substitute for the required process.
Check the proposal
Confirm the notice is complete, the start date is correct and a year has passed since the tenancy began or the last increase. Compare genuinely similar local rooms by size, condition, location and included bills.
Keep the advert, agreement, Form 4A and your local evidence. Continue paying the existing rent while getting advice; do not simply ignore the notice.
Agreement or challenge
You can discuss an alternative with the landlord. If you believe the proposal exceeds market rent, official guidance explains how to apply to the First-tier Tribunal before the new rent takes effect.
Tribunal outcomes depend on evidence and circumstances. Get advice early enough to meet the deadline.
Official sources and further reading
- Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenantsGOV.UK · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Private rent and house prices, UK: July 2026Office for National Statistics