Rent increase date calculator

Work out the earliest date a new rent can start under a section 13 notice (form 4A), under the rules in force since 1 May 2026. Free, and nothing you type leaves your device.

Your result

Fill in the form and choose Work out the date.

How the date is worked out

The new rent must start on the first day of a rent period, and on or after all of these dates (Housing Act 1988, s.13):

2 months after the tenant gets the notice. This is the same for weekly and monthly rent.
52 weeks after the tenancy started. You can’t increase the rent in the first year.
52 weeks after the last increase took effect, including an increase made under a rent review clause before 1 May 2026 (GOV.UK). To be safe, we count any earlier increase.

Use form 4A every time, even if your tenant has agreed the increase. The tenant can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal before the new rent starts, and the tribunal can’t set a rent higher than the one you proposed (GOV.UK).

If the rent has gone up under section 13 several times since 2003, the gap can occasionally be 53 weeks rather than 52 (s.13(3B)). Check if your date is close.

Checked 14 October 2026. This isn’t legal advice. Where the law is unclear, such as months without a 29th, 30th or 31st, the calculator picks the later date.

Questions

How much notice do I need to give for a rent increase?

At least 2 months, using form 4A, whether the rent is paid weekly or monthly. The new rent must start on the first day of a rent period.

How often can a landlord increase the rent?

Once a year. The new rent can’t start until 52 weeks after the last increase took effect, and not in the first 52 weeks of the tenancy.

Can I still use the rent review clause in my tenancy agreement?

No. Since 1 May 2026, rent can only go up through a section 13 notice or a tribunal decision. An increase under a clause before 1 May 2026 still counts as your last increase.