Rent Increase Notices Explained for East London Landlords

In today’s economy, you may well decide to raise the rent to handle rising costs – or simply wish to reflect your property’s rising value on the rental market. But how do you go about giving your tenants a rent increase notice?

Inflation rates and market changes have prompted many landlords to raise the rent in recent years, and London has seen the highest increases of all. The average monthly rent in London rose by 11.5% in the 12 months to December 2024, say the Office for National Statistics (ONS). For comparison, the UK average rent increase was around 9% across the same period. However, there are certain rules and conventions landlords must follow.

To help you set a higher rent for your property in Grays, Stratford or the surrounding areas, we explain how to serve a rent increase notice in London.

Reasons to raise the rent as a landlord

You may be considering raising the rent avoid reducing your rental income in real terms, or to reflect your property’s current value on the rental market, or cover costs. Landlords may need more income to cover tax payments, insurance premiums, interest rates, repairs and maintenance costs or to reflect improvements.

Can a landlord increase rent?

A landlord can increase the rent but there are guidelines governing the amount and timeline. If there’s a rent review clause, this will spell out how often the rent can rise, the notice period, and how much it will increase by (often as a percentage or formula). Be aware, UK tenants with an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) have the right to challenge the rent increase amount at the First-Tier Tribunal.

What is a fair rent increase in East London?

Rent increases should match the East London rental market, so research local properties of a similar size and condition, consider what your tenants will realistically be able to afford, and refer to inflation rates. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used for rent increases in social housing, and is a helpful guide for private landlords to calculate a fair rent increase as well.

How often can landlord increase rent?

The frequency of any rent increases will depend on the type of tenancy agreement you have, and whether there’s a rent review clause.

• Fixed-term tenancy. If your property is let under a fixed-term tenancy agreement, you can only increase the rent if there’s a rent review clause. The alternative is to wait until the fixed term ends – or seek the tenant’s agreement.
• Periodic tenancy. Landlords can only increase rent once per year during periodic tenancies. If the contract includes a rent review clause, you can increase the rent but will need the tenant’s agreement. Otherwise, landlords can issue a Section 13 notice to raise the rent, with the higher rent coming into effect at the end of the current tenancy period. Take note that you can’t issue a notice during the first year of the contract.

How to serve a rent increase notice to tenants

Landlords can use a rent increase notice template setting out the starting date of the increased rent, negotiate an agreement, or raise the rent when you renew the tenancy agreement after a fixed term ends. You can give written or verbal notice of a rent increase, but always get a signed agreement in writing for your records.

Rent increase notice questions

Can you email rent increase notice?

Yes, you can give tenants a rent increase notice by email. The crucial thing is to form a written record.

Can a landlord increase rent without notice?

No, landlords must give always notice – though the exact amount of notice depends on the tenancy agreement’s terms.

What is the rent increase notice period?

The notice period for a rent increase is usually between 1-3 months if there’s a rent review clause, or 1-6 months if you issue a Section 13 notice.

Must a landlord submit a Section 13 notice for rent increase?

You only need to issue a Section 13 rent increase notice if there’s no rent review clause in the contract, or it’s expired.

Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 & Rent Increases

The Labour government’s Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 could limit landlords to one rent increase per year, with any rent increases required to be in line with current market rates. More changes are in the works too. For example, the bill is set to abolish the Section 21 notice, so it’s wise for landlords to watch for further developments – it will expand what a landlord is responsible for.

If you are considering issuing a rent increase notice on your property in the London Borough of Redbridge or Newham, we will be glad to assist. Contact the Lint Group today to discuss your requirements.