Rent increase: how to complete Form 4A, with a covering note
In England a rent increase needs the official section 13 form, Form 4A, once a year with at least two months' notice. How to complete and serve it, and a short covering note to send with it. The form itself comes from GOV.UK.
England. Checked against the law on 27 September 2026. Information, not legal advice.
When to use this
Use it when you have decided to propose a new rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England. The only way to raise the rent is a section 13 notice on the prescribed form, Form 4A. The covering note below goes with the form; it does not replace it. A letter, text or email on its own is not a valid notice.
Before you send it
- Download the current Form 4A from the official forms page. Do not alter its wording and do not use a copy from anywhere else.
- Check the date of the last increase, or the start of the tenancy. One increase in any twelve months.
- Choose a start date at least two months after the tenant will receive the notice, falling on the first day of a rent period.
- The new rent is your decision. It should be no higher than the home would let for on the open market; keep the comparable listings you looked at.
- Serve it in a way the tenancy agreement allows. Email counts only if the agreement allows it.
- Keep proof of service: a dated copy, a certificate of posting or a photo of hand delivery.
The template
Covering note to send with Form 4A
[Landlord's name]
[Landlord's address for correspondence]
[Date]
To: [names of every tenant]
Property: [full address of the property]
Dear [tenant's name],
I enclose Form 4A, the official notice proposing a new rent for your home.
The current rent is [amount] per [month / week]. The proposed rent is [amount] per [month / week], starting on [date], which is the first day of a rent period and at least two months after this notice.
The rent was last changed on [date] (or: the tenancy started on [date]).
The form explains what you can do if you do not agree with the proposed rent. If you would like to talk about it first, you can reach me at [phone or email].
Yours sincerely,
[Landlord's name]
Service record (keep this, do not send it)
Form 4A downloaded from GOV.UK on: [date]
Served on: [date]
How: [by hand / by post / by email, as the agreement allows]
Proof kept: [what and where]
What happens next
If the tenant does nothing, the new rent applies from the date on the form. The tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal before that date, and the tribunal then decides the rent. Until then the current rent stands. A second increase within twelve months has no effect. The rent increases guide has the full procedure. If the tenant disputes the notice, speak to a landlord association or a solicitor.
Information about the law in England, not legal advice. Checked on the date shown.
Where this comes from
Questions about this template
Can I write my own rent increase letter instead of using Form 4A?
No. In England a rent increase on an assured periodic tenancy must be on the prescribed section 13 form. A covering note can go with the form but cannot replace it.
How much notice does a rent increase need?
At least two months, with the new rent starting on the first day of a rent period, and no more than one increase in any twelve months.
Where do I get Form 4A?
From the assured tenancy forms page on GOV.UK. Always download the current version and do not change its wording.
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