🚨ATTENTION LANDLORDS: Will you get enough rent? 🚨

From 1 May 2026, the rental market will undergo huge changes under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

While the much-publicised abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions is the headline, the rules around rent increases are equally as important for landlords to understand and plan for.

What happens on 1 May 2026?

Landlords will no longer be able to use Section 21 notices to evict tenants without giving a valid reason, but most importantly, the legislation introduces completely new rules about rent increases.

New rules on rent increases

One of the biggest shifts for landlords relates to how and when you can increase the rent.

1. You can only raise rent once per year
2. Rent increases must be served with a notice in the prescribed form
3. Rent increases must reflect the current market rent
4. Tenants can challenge increases at a tribunal
5. If challenged, the new rent will only apply from the date of the tribunal’s decision and will not be backdated

Main points to take away

• Rent increases will be more regulated and tenant-focused from 1 May 2026.
• Landlords retain the ability to increase rent but only once per year.
• Rent increases must be given in the prescribed form and give the appropriate notice period.
• Tenants can challenge the rent increase.

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The changes shift the focus and strengthen the position of tenants. Landlords must be more structured and evidence-driven when planning rental increases. Clear communication, good documentation and sound market knowledge will therefore be essential in the new regime.