Interactive calculator
Is my rent increase legal?
Enter your current and proposed rent. The calculator checks the percentage increase against the CPI + 1% benchmark (3.8%, based on ONS March 2026 data) and explains what the Renters' Rights Act 2025 says about the process your landlord must follow.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Renters' Rights Act cap rent increases?
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 does not impose a hard cap on rent increases. However, it gives tenants the right to refer any proposed increase to the First-tier Tribunal, which will set the rent at the open market rate. The CPI+1% figure (3.8% based on ONS March 2026 data) is a practical benchmark: increases above this level are more likely to be reduced by a tribunal.
What is the CPI benchmark and where does it come from?
CPI stands for Consumer Price Index — the official measure of inflation published by the Office for National Statistics. The March 2026 figure is 2.8%. Adding 1 percentage point gives a total benchmark of 3.8%. This is not a statutory ceiling but reflects typical tribunal outcomes when assessing whether a proposed rent is at open market rate.
What process must my landlord follow to raise my rent?
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, your landlord must: (1) use the official Form 4A (Section 13 notice); (2) give at least 2 months' written notice; (3) propose the increase no sooner than 12 months after the last increase. An informal letter, email, or verbal notice does not meet the legal requirement.
Can a First-tier Tribunal award more rent than my landlord proposed?
No. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can only set the rent up to the open market rate, and it cannot award more than your landlord originally proposed. This means referring an increase to the tribunal cannot result in your rent going higher than the amount on the Form 4A.
What should I do if my rent increase seems too high?
First, check whether the Form 4A process was followed correctly: was a proper Section 13 notice served? Was at least 2 months' notice given? Has it been at least 12 months since the last increase? If the process was not followed, the increase may not be valid. If the process was followed but the amount seems excessive, you can refer it to the First-tier Tribunal. Shelter and Citizens Advice can provide free guidance on both steps.