Letter Of Intent To Raise Rent Template for England and Wales

A rent increase letter, sometimes called a letter of intent to raise rent or a rent increase notice, is a formal document that landlords use to tell tenants about a higher rent in England & Wales. It works as both a legal notice and a written record, so the change is made in line with statutory requirements and the existing tenancy agreement.

What is a rent increase letter template?

A rent increase letter template is a ready-to-use form that sets out everything a valid notice needs: the tenant's name and the property address, the current rent, the proposed new amount, the start date for the new rent, and the notice period you are giving. Starting from a template means you fill in the figures and dates rather than drafting the wording from scratch, and the result reads as a professional, structured notice rather than an ad hoc letter.

When do you need this document?

You need this letter whenever you want to increase rent on a property you own or manage, whether that's a residential home or a unit let for business use. It is essential for periodic tenancies where rent reviews are not automatically scheduled in the lease or tenancy agreement. You will also need it when market conditions justify a higher rent, when you have made significant property improvements, or when your mortgage or maintenance costs have risen. The document is particularly important for assured shorthold tenancies under the Housing Act 1988, which cover the majority of private rental arrangements in England & Wales.

How do you give a rent increase notice?

Follow a clear process so the notice is valid. Each step below keeps the notice compliant:

1. Check the lease or tenancy agreement for any clause that governs how and when rent can be reviewed.
2. Confirm the tenancy type (fixed-term, periodic, assured, or assured shorthold), because the rules differ.
3. Set the new rent and the start date for when it takes effect, keeping the increase reasonable.
4. Give the correct notice period, usually at least one month for a periodic tenancy under the Housing Act 1988.
5. Put the current rent, proposed new rent, start date, and notice period in writing and send the rent increase letter to the tenant.

Keeping a copy of the completed form gives you a dated record of the increase notice.

What should a rent increase letter include?

A complete letter includes the tenant's name, the full property address, the current rent, the proposed new rent, the start date the increase takes effect, and confirmation that you are giving proper notice. State the grounds for the increase and acknowledge that the tenant can seek help or challenge an unreasonable increase through the First-tier Tribunal. Missing any of these details can make the notice invalid, so the template prompts you for each one.

Key legal considerations

Several legal factors must be addressed when drafting this letter. You must give an adequate notice period, typically one month for periodic tenancies under the Housing Act 1988, though this may vary based on your tenancy agreement terms. The proposed increase must be reasonable and not an unfair contract term under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. You cannot raise rent more frequently than annually unless the tenancy agreement specifically permits it. The letter must clearly state the current rent, the proposed new rent, and the start date, and it must not breach any rent control provisions that apply to regulated tenancies under the Rent Act 1977.

Legal requirements in England & Wales

England & Wales law imposes specific obligations when putting rent up. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you must meet your fundamental landlord obligations first. The Housing Act 1988 requires proper procedures for assured and assured shorthold tenancies, including statutory notice periods and respecting the tenant's right to challenge the proposal through the First-tier Tribunal. The letter must reference the grounds for the change and the tenant's options, and the tenant should know how to contact you with questions. Failure to follow these requirements can result in invalid notices and practical complications when the increase is due to start.