Lendlord has launched a free Form 4A rent increase notice tool that helps landlords complete the official government form required under the Section 13 process for assured periodic tenancies in England.
Landlords have had to use the section 13 process for every rent increase since 1 May 2026, including where the tenant has already agreed to the proposed rise. Informal emails, WhatsApp messages and rent-review clauses can no longer replace the prescribed process, and a clause agreed before 1 May 2026 but due to take effect after that date does not apply.
The requirements include:
- Form 4A has replaced Form 4 for privately rented assured tenancies in England, and changes to the prescribed wording could make a notice invalid.
- Landlords must give at least two months' notice before the new rent takes effect. No increase can take place in the first year of a tenancy, and later increases must fall at least 52 weeks apart, or 53 weeks in some cases, so the date does not move earlier each year.
- The new rent must start at the beginning of a tenancy period. Where a monthly tenancy begins on the 20th, for example, the new rent can only take effect on the 20th.
- Tenants can challenge a proposed increase at the First-tier Tribunal before its proposed start date. After a challenge, they will not have to pay more than the landlord originally proposed.
Lendlord's tool takes landlords through the current and proposed rent, the relevant dates, any charges included in the rent and the landlord or agent signature, then produces the official Form 4A for review.
The tool sits alongside Lendlord's tenancy records and Compliance Hub, so landlords can use existing tenancy details rather than entering them again. Landlords can also sign the completed notice electronically and share it digitally with the tenant, provided the tenancy agreement permits that method of service.
The English Housing Survey 2024-25 puts the private rented sector at 4.7 million households in England. Errors in a rent increase notice or its timing can delay a proposed increase and create uncertainty for both landlords and tenants.
"Landlords need to understand that agreeing a rent increase with a tenant does not replace the formal notice process," said Aviram Shahar, co-founder and chief executive of Lendlord (pictured).
"For assured periodic tenancies in England, using the correct form and getting the timing right are essential.
"We have made the Form 4A tool free to help landlords prepare the official notice using tenancy information already held in Lendlord, reducing the administration involved. Landlords still need to check the details and serve the notice correctly.
"The process should provide clarity for both sides: landlords need to know when an increase can take effect, while tenants need proper notice and a clear understanding of their rights."
