Rent increase notice period in England: the 2-month rule explained

Last checked 21 October 2026 against GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk, Shelter and Citizens Advice. England only. Not legal advice.

From 1 May 2026, your landlord must give you at least two months' notice of a rent increase, using Form 4A. Before that date, the minimum was usually one month for a monthly tenancy. The new rule applies to every private assured tenancy in England, whether you pay weekly or monthly.

How to count two months

The new rent can't start earlier than two calendar months after the date the notice was served. It must also start on the first day of a rent period.

The other rules (52 weeks since the last increase or since the tenancy started) can push the date later still.

When is a notice "served"?

Form 4A tells landlords to use any method in your written agreement; otherwise by hand, by leaving it at your address, or by registered post. If a notice arrived by post or was left while you were away, the legal date of service might be different from the day you read it. If the notice period is close, it may be invalid - check with Shelter or Citizens Advice.

Notices given before 1 May 2026

If your landlord used Form 4 before 1 May 2026, the old notice period applies even if the increase starts after 1 May. Citizens Advice says the notice period is usually one month in some situations, for example if you got a valid section 21 or section 8 notice before 1 May 2026.

Frequently asked questions