When did Form 4A replace Form 4?

For rent increases under the new England rules, Form 4A applies to notices given from 1 May 2026. A valid Form 4 notice given before 1 May 2026 can still follow its transitional rules.

Form 4A Rent Increase Notice England 2026

Q: What is Form 4A?

Form 4A is the landlord's notice proposing a new rent for an assured periodic tenancy in England.

Q: Can a tenant challenge a Form 4A rent increase?

Yes. A tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal if the proposed rent is above the open-market rent, before the new rent takes effect.

What is Form 4A?

Form 4A is the landlord's notice proposing a new rent for an assured periodic tenancy in England. Under the post-1 May 2026 rules, a private landlord normally uses the Section 13 process rather than a rent review clause in the tenancy agreement.

Short version: check the tenancy timing, complete the official Form 4A, give at least 2 months' notice, and make sure the proposed rent is no higher than the open-market rent you could reasonably justify.

Form 4A checklist

Confirm that the tenancy is an assured periodic tenancy in England.
Check that the rent has not already increased within the last 12 months.
Do not propose the first increase during the first 12 months of the tenancy.
Complete the official Form 4A with the current rent, proposed rent and effective date.
Give the tenant at least 2 months' notice, with the new rent starting on the first day of a rental period.
Keep evidence for the proposed market rent. A tenant may challenge an increase at the First-tier Tribunal.

Form 4 vs Form 4A after 1 May 2026

Question	Form 4	Form 4A
Typical use	Notice given before 1 May 2026	New Section 13 rent increase notices from 1 May 2026
Notice period	Follow the valid notice and transitional rules	At least 2 months
Rent review clause	May have applied under the old rules	Cannot replace the statutory Section 13 process
Challenge route	Depends on the notice and timing	First-tier Tribunal before the new rent takes effect

The transition depends on when notice was given and when the increase is due to start. Check the official guidance for the specific tenancy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Form 4A?
It is the landlord's notice proposing a new rent for an assured periodic tenancy in England.

How much notice does Form 4A give?
The landlord must normally give at least 2 months' written notice before the new rent starts.

Can Form 4A be used in the first year of a tenancy?
The first rent increase cannot normally take effect during the first 12 months of the tenancy.

Can a tenant challenge a Form 4A increase?
Yes. The tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal if the proposed rent is above the open-market rent, before the new rent takes effect.

Is this legal advice?
No. This is an educational guide. Use the official form and seek qualified advice for a disputed or unusual tenancy.

Check a notice before service

Use the Form 4A validity checklist to review the form, notice period, annual limit and service evidence before relying on a proposed rent increase.

Official sources

GOV.UK — Form 4A PDF

GOV.UK — Assured periodic tenancies: rent increases

England rent increase rules · UK rent increase checker · Section 13 notice generator

Educational tool — not legal advice. Rules and forms can change; verify the current official guidance before serving notice.

Form 4A rent increase notice: the 2026 guide

Use the official form