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Complete the current Form 4A, then serve it at least two months before the proposed start date. That date must be the beginning of a tenancy period and must meet the first-year and once-a-year rules. A letter or email in place of the form does not satisfy Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is a Section 13 notice?
Section 13 is the statutory process for proposing a new rent on a periodic assured tenancy. From 1 May 2026 the prescribed form is Form 4A. Government guidance says you must follow this process every time you increase the rent, even if the tenant has already agreed.
Read the Section 13 and Form 4A overview for the rules in one place.
(Source: Assured periodic tenancies: rent increases; Housing Act 1988, section 13)
How do I complete Form 4A?
Download the current form from the official assured tenancy forms page immediately before you complete it. Form 4A notes set out what the dates must satisfy.
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Questions 1 to 3 | Property address, landlord name and address, and any agent. Names should match the tenancy agreement |
| Question 4.4 | Date of the first rent increase after 11 February 2003, used for the 53-week anti-drift rule. Leave blank if there has never been an increase |
| Question 4.5 | The proposed new rent. Official notes say the tenant will not have to pay more than this figure if they go to the tribunal |
| Question 4.6 | The proposed start date. It must meet the two-month, 52-week, period-start, and 53-week rules at the same time |
| Question 4.7 | Any service charges or amounts included in the rent. If none, show nil rather than leaving the section blank |
Joint tenants should all be named. Joint landlords should all sign unless the tenancy allows one to act for the others. Do not remove the prescribed wording about the tenant’s right to apply to the tribunal.
(Source: Form 4A)
How do I serve the notice?
Government guidance lists three methods: in person, by post, or by email if the tenancy agreement allows email service. Keep proof of the date of service. The two-month period runs from service, not from the date you printed the form.
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(Source: Assured periodic tenancies: rent increases)
What happens after I serve it?
If the tenant does not apply to the First-tier Tribunal before the start date, and the notice is valid, the new rent takes effect on that date. If they challenge, they must apply before the start date. The fee is £47. See whether a tenant can refuse a Form 4A increase and the mistakes that make a notice invalid.
(Source: Apply for an open market rent determination)
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Section 13 notice?
It is the statutory notice a landlord uses to propose a rent increase on a periodic assured tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026 the prescribed form is Form 4A.
What happens if a landlord uses the wrong form?
A notice that is not on the current prescribed form does not satisfy Section 13. The landlord must serve a new Form 4A and start the notice period again.
What does question 4.6 have to satisfy?
The proposed start date must give at least two months' notice, must be the beginning of a tenancy period, and must meet the 52-week rule. The Form 4A notes also set out a 53-week anti-drift rule linked to question 4.4.
Can I email Form 4A?
Government guidance allows email only if that is allowed in the tenancy agreement. Otherwise serve it in person or by post and keep proof of service.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LLCR is a compliance management platform, not a law firm. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.
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