The History behind Section 13 and the New Rules
Since 1 May 2026, Section 13 (Form 4A) of the Housing Act 1988 (Amended) has become the only mechanism for increasing rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England. Rent review clauses, informal agreements, and the pressure of a tenancy renewal have all been swept away, and letting agents managing rent reviews now need a considerably more disciplined process than many were used to under the old fixed-term system.
Rent Reviews - a Frontline Operational Issue for Letting Agents
The Renters’ Rights Act changes many things. But for letting agents, one of the most commercially important may prove to be this: rent reviews are no longer just an administrative step in the tenancy cycle. They are becoming a more visible, more structured and more contestable process.
That matters because rent reviews sit right at the intersection of landlord expectation, tenant affordability, legal compliance and agency execution.
Understanding Rent Increases in the Private Rented Sector
Navigating rent increases in the private rented sector can be challenging for both Landlords and Tenants. With rising housing costs and changing market conditions, it's essential to understand the legal process and best practice when dealing with rent.
In England, rent increases in the private rented sector are governed by several pieces of legislation, most notably:
Housing Act 1988
Tenant Fees Act 2019
Consumer Rights Act 2015