Section 13 rent increases: Form 4A and notice periods
By TenancyDesk · Sources checked
For private assured periodic tenancies in England, the current rent increase procedure uses Form 4A under section 13. Allow at least two months’ notice and check the tenancy and previous increase dates before choosing the new rent date.
Which rent increase form should you use?
Form 4A is the current form for this private rented sector procedure. It is available free from GOV.UK. TenancyDesk’s generator helps fill in the official wording and check dates; paying for software is not a requirement for obtaining the government form.
A Form 4 notice served before 1 May 2026 can fall under transitional rules. Do not replace an earlier notice or assume it is invalid just because the form number changed.
Sources: GOV.UK: current assured tenancy forms and Form 4A notes · GOV.UK: rent increases for assured periodic tenancies
Check more than the two-month minimum
GOV.UK describes the general rule as one increase a year, with no increase in the first year of a tenancy. The official Form 4A notes also require the new rent to begin at the start of a period of the tenancy and contain detailed anniversary rules, including for weekly periods.
Read those notes for the tenancy in front of you. A calendar calculation alone cannot establish whether the tenancy is covered or whether the notice was served correctly.
Sources: GOV.UK: rent increases for assured periodic tenancies · GOV.UK: current assured tenancy forms and Form 4A notes
Gather the evidence before completing the notice
Keeping a small preparation record makes the completed notice easier to check. Label assumptions clearly and resolve missing dates before treating a draft as final.
- Tenancy start date and rental period from the agreement or tenancy records.
- Current rent, proposed rent and the date the last increase took effect.
- All tenant names and the complete property address.
- Intended service method, the applicable agreement terms and a realistic service date.
- A copy of the completed notice and a separate record of delivery.
What if the tenant disagrees?
A tenant who considers the proposal above the open market rent can apply to the First-tier Tribunal. Follow the current form’s notes on the steps and timing. Keep the proposed rent, the supporting material and any correspondence together.
The generator does not decide market rent or resolve a dispute. Get advice where coverage, service or a tribunal application is uncertain.
Sources: GOV.UK: rent increases for assured periodic tenancies · GOV.UK: current assured tenancy forms and Form 4A notes
Official sources and scope
Checked on 9 September 2026. This is general information for private landlords in England, not legal advice or a complete compliance assessment. Follow the current official guidance for your tenancy and get advice about exceptions, missed deadlines or disputes.
- GOV.UK: rent increases for assured periodic tenancies
- GOV.UK: current assured tenancy forms and Form 4A notes
Ready to prepare the document?
Use the relevant tool, then check the completed details and keep a record of delivery.
Open the Form 4A generator