Form 4A rent increase notice: what it is and what to check
Last checked 21 October 2026 against GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk, Shelter and Citizens Advice. England only. Not legal advice.
Form 4A is the official "Landlord's notice proposing a new rent for assured tenancies in the private rented sector". It was introduced for England from 1 May 2026 and is prescribed by the Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Prescribed Forms and Transitional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2026. Landlords must use Form 4A, or a form substantially to the same effect.
Form 4 (without the "A") is now for social housing tenancies. If you rent privately and got a Form 4 dated on or after 1 May 2026, the notice may be invalid - get advice.
What's on Form 4A
| Section | What to check |
|---|---|
| 1. Tenant details | All tenants' names and the correct property address. |
| 2-3. Landlord / agent | A contact address. If an email is given, you and the tribunal can use it to serve documents. |
| 4.1-4.2 Current rent, tenancy start | Your current rent and how often you pay it (the tenancy period, which must be a month or less). |
| 4.3 Most recent increase | The date the last increase took effect - the new rent must be at least 52 weeks later. |
| 4.4 First increase after 11 Feb 2003 | Used to work out if 53 weeks (rather than 52) must pass. |
| 4.5-4.6 New rent and start date | The proposed rent and the date it starts. Your tribunal deadline is the day before this date. |
| 4.7 Charges included | Any council tax, water, energy, internet or fixed service charges included in the rent. |
| Signature | Signed and dated by the landlord or agent. |
| 5. What you should do next | Explains your options, including applying to the tribunal before the date in 4.6. |
The three date rules in Note A
- Two months: the notice must be served at least two months before the new rent starts.
- 52 weeks: the first increase can't start until 52 weeks after the tenancy began; later increases at least 52 weeks after the previous one (sometimes 53).
- Start of a period: the new rent must start at the beginning of a tenancy period - e.g. on a Monday for a weekly tenancy that started on a Monday.
How it can be served
The form tells landlords to use any method in your written agreement; otherwise by hand, by leaving it at your address, or by registered post. GOV.UK says email can be used if your tenancy agreement allows it.
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Check my noticeFrequently asked questions
Is Form 4A the same as a Section 13 notice?
Yes. A section 13 notice for a private assured tenancy in England is given on Form 4A (or a form substantially to the same effect) from 1 May 2026.
Can my landlord send Form 4A by email?
GOV.UK says email can be used if your tenancy agreement allows it.
- GOV.UK - Assured tenancy forms (Form 4A)
- Form 4A (PDF, 05.26)
- SI 2026/354, regulation 3 (prescribed forms)
- GOV.UK - Rent increases (landlords)