Rent increases should never be reactive. They work best when they are anticipated, scheduled and supported by clear market evidence.
That approach will become increasingly important when the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 takes effect on 1 May 2026, requiring landlords to follow the statutory Section 13 procedure under the Housing Act 1988 when increasing rent during a tenancy.
For landlords, this marks a shift from informal annual adjustments to a structured, time-sensitive process. Without planning, missed review windows could delay adjustments for another year.
A clearly mapped 12-month rent review calendar will therefore become essential.
Related: Rent reviews in 2026: How to set the right rent in a slower-growth market
Understanding the once-per-year framework
Under the reformed system, rent increases during a tenancy will generally be limited to once in a 12-month period using the Section 13 procedure. To implement an increase, landlords will need to:
- Serve the correct notice
- Provide the required minimum notice period
- Ensure the proposed rent reflects local market conditions
Tenants will retain the right to challenge a proposed increase if they believe it exceeds market value.
This means timing and preparation will be just as important as the level of the increase itself.
Why a rent review calendar matters
Many landlords currently review rents on an informal annual basis. From 1 May 2026, that approach may create risk if review dates are missed or poorly aligned with tenancy cycles.
A rent review calendar allows landlords to:
- Track when each tenancy becomes eligible for review
- Monitor when previous increases took effect
- Align notice periods correctly
- Avoid accidental delays that could postpone increases for another year
Without structured tracking, landlords may find that opportunities to adjust rent are missed simply because key dates are not monitored closely enough.
Linking market data to review timing
Timing alone will not be sufficient. Under the framework introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, each proposed increase will need to reflect the local market at the time of review.
A well-managed rent strategy should therefore combine:
- Clear tenancy timelines
- Regular market analysis
- Evidence of comparable local properties
Reviewing market conditions periodically, even if increases can only be implemented once per year, can help landlords decide when and how to act within the permitted window.
The role of local councils in enforcement
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will strengthen the role of local councils in overseeing compliance. If rent increases are attempted outside the statutory framework, or if prohibited contractual clauses are relied upon, local councils will have powers to investigate and take action.
A documented, calendar-based approach helps demonstrate that rent reviews are structured, consistent and compliant.
In a regulated environment, an organisation reduces exposure.
Related: What the Renters’ Rights Act means for self-managing landlords post 27 December 2025
Building a structured annual rent strategy
The changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 do not prevent landlords from reviewing rent where appropriate. They require that reviews are timed correctly, justified properly and implemented through the correct statutory procedure.
A compliant 12-month rent review strategy should include:
- A centralised record of tenancy start dates
- Clear tracking of when the last increase took effect
- Diary reminders for potential review windows
- Up-to-date local market evidence
- Proper preparation of Section 13 notices
Martin & Co supports landlords in building structured rent review calendars, assessing local market positioning and preparing the necessary notices correctly.
If you would like support in reviewing your current tenancy timelines or preparing for the changes taking effect on 1 May 2026, contact your local Martin & Co branch to discuss your rent strategy.
