How To Serve Section 13 Notices (quickly and effectively)

Rent increases are a normal part of property management — but how landlords go about them is about to change.

Under current rules, there are several legal ways to raise the rent, including using a Section 13 notice. But when the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, Section 13 will become the only legal route for raising rent in periodic tenancies. This means that landlords and letting agents need to be crystal clear on how to handle them — and do so compliantly.

 What Is a Section 13 Notice?

A Section 13 notice is a legal document used to tell a tenant that you plan to increase their rent. You can only use it once every 12 months, and only for periodic tenancies — not during a fixed term.

Tenants can challenge rent increases through the First-tier Property Tribunal if they believe the proposed rent is unfair. That’s why it’s important to base any increase on current market rates.

How Do You Serve a Section 13 Notice?

You’ll need to fill out Form 4, available on the UK Government’s website. This form must include:

• Tenant’s name and address
• Landlord/agent’s contact details
• Existing and proposed rent amounts
• When the increase will take effect (at least 12 months after the last increase)
• Details on council tax, water, or service charges (if included)
• Signature and date

While the form is straightforward, serving Section 13 notices at scale — especially for letting agents — can become complicated and time-consuming.

How Else Can Landlords Currently Increase Rent?

Right now, landlords have a few other options beyond Section 13:

• Rent review clauses in fixed-term contracts
• Renewed fixed-term tenancies with higher rents
• Mutual written agreements with tenants during a tenancy

These allow flexibility — but all that is set to change.

Why is this happening?

The Government says the goal is to protect tenants from unfair evictions disguised as rent hikes, while still allowing rents to adjust with the market.

While it’s designed to level the playing field, some in the industry worry it may lead to more short-term renting — and landlords may feel the need to raise rents more frequently to protect their income.

With the Renters’ Rights Bill coming into effect soon, raising rent will only be possible through a compliant Section 13 notice — and the process is changing fast.

Let our expert team handle it for you

• Stay compliant
•  Avoid costly mistakes
• Protect your rental income    

👉 Get in touch today to speak with one of our lettings specialists or property managers - we’ll make sure your rent increases are done right — and on time.