Increasing rent

Over time, you might want to review or increase the rent you charge your tenants.

You should ensure any increase is fair and in line with rents for similar properties in the area. Currently, there is no limit on the amount of a rent increase.  

When can you increase the rent?

From 1 April 2025, you can only legally increase the rent once every 12 months. This applies to all types of private tenancies. 

You cannot force your tenant to pay an increase in rent more often than every 12 months. You may be guilty of an offence if you attempt to do this. 

Increasing rent for periodic tenants

A periodic tenancy is one that runs on a 'rolling' or 'month-to-month' basis. 

From 1 April 2025, you can only legally increase the rent charged to a periodic tenant once every 12 months. 

You should ensure the increase is fair and in line with rents for similar properties in the area. Currently, there is no limit on the amount of a rent increase. 

You'll also need to give your tenant at least three months' written notice of any increase.  

The notice must include the date the increase will take effect and the new rent amount.   

'In writing' can include electronically, such as email or text. You can also use a Notice of Variation to provide this information. 

Increasing rent for fixed-term tenants

From 1 April 2025, you cannot increase the rent during a fixed-term agreement.  Legally, you will only be able to increase the rent at 12-month intervals:  

• if you have a yearly fixed-term agreement, you can only increase the rent at the end of each 12-month term
• if a fixed-term tenancy ends but continues on a periodic basis, you must wait 12 months before increasing the rent

You'll also need to give your tenant at least three months' written notice of any increase.  

The notice must include the date the increase will take effect and the amount of the rent increase.  

'In writing' can include electronically, such as email or text. You can also use a Notice of Variation to provide this information. 

Rent increases for other tenants

You will need to apply to the Rent Officer if you want to increase the rent for a property that is:

• a protected tenancy, or
• subject to rent control 

The Rent Officer sets the maximum rent for these properties. The Department for Communities can also ask the Rent Officer to review rents.  

Increasing the rent from 1 April 2025

From 1 April 2025, you can only legally increase the rent you charge every 12 months.  

Impact of increasing rent on guarantor agreements

Increasing rent could be considered a material change of the tenancy terms. Changes, such as a rent increase or new tenancy, will invalidate the guarantor agreement unless either:

• the guarantor agreement states it will continue despite these changes, or  
• the guarantor agrees to the change 

You'll need to review your guarantor agreement before increasing the rent. This will help ensure the agreement remains valid and avoid disputes later.