Rent increases: once a year, with notice
Your landlord can put the rent up once a year, and not in the first 12 months of a new tenancy. They must use Form 4A and give you at least two months' notice. You can challenge an increase that is above market rent. A clause promising automatic yearly rises doesn't replace this process.
Source: GOV.UK: Renters' Rights Act overview for tenants. Checked 18/10/2026. In force from 01/05/2026.
Check your contract against this
Legal information, not legal advice. For your own situation, Shelter (england.shelter.org.uk) and Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) give free advice.