Winter is rarely the time landlords choose to have difficult conversations about rent. Tenants are settled, energy costs are higher and the market can feel slower.
Yet, under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which is due to take effect from 1 May 2026, rent increases during an ongoing periodic or rolling tenancy will need to follow the statutory procedure set out in Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, and will generally be limited to once in a 12-month period.
That means timing matters more than ever.
Rather than reacting when an increase feels overdue, landlords may benefit from planning winter-to-spring reviews carefully so that adjustments are implemented smoothly without unsettling otherwise stable tenancies.
Related: Rent reviews for real people: Staying fair, compliant, and prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
Why seasonality now plays a bigger role
Rental markets often behave differently across the year. Activity can slow during winter and accelerate in early spring. This seasonal pattern matters even more under a once-per-year framework.
Under that structure, landlords cannot simply adjust rent whenever conditions improve. Missing the right window may mean waiting another 12 months before a further increase can be considered.
Planning ahead during winter allows landlords to:
- Review tenancy timelines
- Assess whether the property will be eligible for a Section 13 notice in spring
- Monitor local market evidence in advance
- Avoid rushed decisions
A measured winter review can lead to a smoother spring implementation.
Avoiding disruption to settled tenants
A rent increase does not need to disrupt a stable tenancy, but poor timing can create unnecessary tension.
Serving notice immediately after the festive period, or during a particularly cold spell when household costs are high, may not always be ideal from a tenancy management perspective.
Instead, landlords might consider:
- Allowing sufficient time for discussion before formal notice is served
- Aligning increases with natural tenancy milestones
- Ensuring the proposed rent clearly reflects current local market conditions
Clear communication remains important, even though the formal mechanism will be statutory.
Using early spring strategically
Early spring often brings renewed market activity. Demand can strengthen, and comparable evidence becomes easier to assess.
If a tenancy becomes eligible for review in late winter, preparing documentation early can allow notice to be served at an appropriate point in the spring cycle.
Because increases will generally be limited to once in a 12-month period under the new framework, the effective date chosen can influence income planning for the remainder of the year.
Local councils and procedural accuracy
As with all aspects of the new framework, correct procedure will remain important.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will reinforce the role of local councils in overseeing compliance. Rent increases that fall outside the statutory process or rely on prohibited contractual clauses may attract scrutiny.
Accurate timing, correct documentation and clear records help demonstrate that a review has been handled properly.
Related: Renters’ Rights Act possession grounds: what landlords need to know from May 2026
Planning now for 1 May 2026
The move to a structured Section 13 process does not prevent landlords from reviewing rent where appropriate. It requires that increases be implemented carefully and supported by evidence.
Winter provides an opportunity to review tenancy dates, assess market positioning and prepare for the spring cycle ahead of the changes taking effect from 1 May 2026.
Belvoir works with landlords to review rental levels, align tenancy timelines and ensure statutory notices are prepared correctly.
If you are considering a rent review in the coming months, your local Belvoir branch can help you plan the timing carefully and maintain stability within your tenancies.
