What to say
How to reply to a rent increase from your landlord
Your landlord or letting agent has told you the rent is going up.
You want to reply in writing without damaging the tenancy or agreeing to more than you have to.
What is usually going on
A rent increase message is often an opening position, especially from private landlords who would rather keep a reliable tenant than pay for an empty month and new tenant fees. How much room you have depends on local rents, the size of the rise and how it was served. In England most private tenants now get increases through a formal notice, at most once a year, with a right to challenge. Replying calmly in writing without agreeing on the spot keeps every option open.
Replies by what you want to happen
Ask for time and the details
Hi [name], thanks for letting me know. Could you confirm the new amount, the date it starts and whether you'll be sending a formal notice?
Thanks for the message. I'd like a few days to look at this before I reply properly. I'll come back to you by [date].
Hi [name], could you tell me how you arrived at £[amount]? It would help me understand the increase.
Asking how the figure was set is reasonable and often shows there is room.
Negotiate a smaller rise
We've been here [x] years, always paid on time and looked after the place. Would you consider £[amount] instead?
Similar flats on [street or area] are listed at around £[amount]. Could we meet at £[amount]?
I'd be happy to agree £[amount] if that's the only increase for the next 12 months.
Reliability is your strongest card. An empty month costs a landlord more than a modest discount.
Push back on an unfair increase
Thanks for this. £[amount] is a [x]% rise, which is well above similar properties nearby. I'm not able to agree to it as it stands.
I'd like to see the formal notice before agreeing anything. If we can't agree, I understand I can ask the tribunal to review it.
I'd like to stay but this increase would mean looking elsewhere. Is there any flexibility?
Say only what is true. If you would move, say so. If you would not, do not bluff.
What not to send
- An instant "ok fine" before you have checked the notice and local rents.
- Any suggestion that you will stop paying rent. It gives them grounds to end the tenancy and you lose the argument you came to win.
- A bluff about moving out if you are not prepared to go. They may simply call it.
- Anything angry you would not want read out at a tribunal.
- An agreement in principle that leaves the amount to be decided later. You have given up the only point you were negotiating.
Questions
Can my landlord increase the rent whenever they want?
Not in England for most private tenancies. Increases now go through a formal notice (a Section 13 notice), no more than once a year. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and for some tenancy types, so check Shelter or Citizens Advice for your situation.
How much notice does a landlord have to give for a rent increase?
For most private tenants in England the formal notice must give at least two months before the new rent starts. A WhatsApp message saying the rent is going up next month is a heads up, not the notice itself.
Can I negotiate a rent increase?
Yes. It is common. Point to your record as a tenant and to listings for similar homes nearby. Then propose a specific figure. If you cannot agree, tenants in England can ask the First-tier Tribunal to decide whether the new rent is in line with the market.
Should I reply by email or WhatsApp?
Either works. Keep anything about amounts and dates in writing you can find later. If your landlord messages on WhatsApp, a short reply there plus an email confirming what was agreed is a sensible habit.
Related situations
Get this in your keyboard
Breezily reads the message, tells you what is going on and gives you replies to pick from. In Chrome today. Keyboards for iPhone and Android on the way.