As a landlord, one of the most common questions you’ll face is:
“Can I increase my tenant’s rent, and if so, how much?”
With rising mortgage costs, increasing compliance obligations, higher maintenance expenses, and the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, understanding the correct process for rent increases has never been more important.
If you own rental property in Cheshire East, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Northwich, Altrincham, Sale, Cheadle, Didsbury or the wider South Manchester area, this guide explains everything you need to know.
Why Landlords Are Reviewing Rents More Frequently
Many landlords have traditionally left rents unchanged for years in order to retain good tenants.
However, the private rented sector has changed significantly.
Landlords are now facing:
- Higher mortgage interest rates
- Increased repair and maintenance costs
- Rising insurance premiums
- New compliance requirements
- Additional responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act
As a result, many landlords across Cheshire East and South Manchester are carrying out annual rent reviews to ensure their properties remain financially sustainable. Rent increases remain legal, but they must follow the correct process and reflect genuine market conditions.
Can Landlords Still Increase Rent in 2026?
Yes.
The Renters’ Rights Act has not prevented landlords from increasing rent. Instead, it has standardised the process and introduced clearer rules around how and when rent increases can take place.
For most residential tenancies in England:
- Rent can generally only be increased once every 12 months.
- Landlords must follow the correct statutory process.
- Tenants can challenge increases they believe exceed local market rents.
- Any increase should be supported by evidence from comparable local properties.
What Is a Fair Rent Increase?
There is no fixed percentage.
A fair increase depends on:
- Comparable rental properties nearby
- Property condition
- Local demand
- Improvements made to the property
- Current market rents
For example, if similar two-bedroom apartments in Wilmslow are achieving significantly higher rents than your existing tenancy, you may have grounds for a larger adjustment.
Equally, if your current rent already sits close to market value, only a modest increase may be appropriate.
The key is ensuring any increase can be justified by current local market evidence.
Why Gradual Rent Reviews Often Work Best
One of the biggest mistakes landlords make is leaving rent unchanged for several years and then attempting a substantial increase.
A more effective strategy is to conduct annual rent reviews and make smaller adjustments where appropriate.
Benefits include:
- Improved tenant retention
- Better affordability for tenants
- Reduced risk of disputes
- Easier compliance with market expectations
- More predictable rental income
Many experienced landlords find that small, regular adjustments create better long-term relationships than large increases after years of inactivity. Community discussions among landlords and tenants frequently highlight that steady reviews are generally easier to manage than sudden substantial increases.
What Happens If a Tenant Challenges a Rent Increase?
Under current legislation, tenants have the right to challenge a proposed rent increase if they believe it exceeds the open market value.
A tribunal will typically consider:
- Comparable rental properties
- Property condition
- Local market evidence
- The reasonableness of the proposed rent
This is why accurate market appraisals and local rental knowledge are so important before serving any notice.
The Importance of Knowing Your Local Market
Rental markets vary dramatically across Cheshire East and South Manchester.
What may be achievable in:
- Wilmslow
- Alderley Edge
- Knutsford
- Hale
- Altrincham
may differ significantly from:
- Macclesfield
- Congleton
- Sandbach
- Northwich
- Crewe
Every property should be assessed individually.
An annual rent review should be based on current market evidence rather than national headlines or assumptions.
How Black Owl Property Helps Landlords
At Black Owl Property, we help landlords across Cheshire East and South Manchester maximise rental income while remaining compliant with ever-changing legislation.
Our services include:
✅ Professional rent reviews
✅ Local market appraisals
✅ Renters’ Rights Act guidance
✅ Tenant management
✅ Compliance support
✅ Fully managed property management services
Whether you own a single buy-to-let or a growing property portfolio, we can help you understand exactly where your property sits within today’s rental market.
Need Advice About Increasing Your Rent?
If you’re unsure whether your current rent is keeping pace with the market, or you’d like guidance on the correct legal process for increasing rent under the Renters’ Rights Act, we’re here to help.
Black Owl Property provides expert landlord advice and property management services throughout Cheshire East and South Manchester.
Contact Black Owl Property today for a no-obligation rental review and discover whether your property is achieving its full potential.