Topic
Check a rent increase
A rent increase fails on its form more often than on its amount. Check in this order: form, reason, amount, deadline.
The form
Almost every legal system requires a set form for an increase, often an official form or a justification naming comparable properties, and a notice period before the rent falls due. Missing any one of these makes the increase invalid, regardless of whether the amount is correct.
The reason
An increase needs a trigger the law actually provides for. The common ones are an indexation clause agreed in the contract, an adjustment to the local going rate, a completed modernisation, and a rise in an official reference value.
Indexation
It only works if it is written into the contract. Without that clause there is no automatic adjustment to an index, even if the index has gone up.
Modernisation
Only the share that genuinely raises the living quality may be passed on. Overdue maintenance is not part of that and has to be worked out separately.
The cap on the step itself
Besides the cap on the rent as such, several countries have a second limit on how much a rent may rise within a given period at all. It applies even where the new rent would be permitted on its own.
Your deadline to object
It is usually short and starts when the letter is received. Letting it pass can, in some countries, count as consent through simply continuing to pay, without meaning to.
The legal position in Germany
When and how the rent may be increased
An existing rent may rise up to the local reference rent, capped at 20 percent over three years, or 15 percent in a designated tight-market area (the Kappungsgrenze, section 558(3) BGB). A modernisation surcharge is calculated separately under section 559 BGB.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A tenant challenges an excessive rent under section 556g(2) BGB. Challenging within 30 months of the tenancy starting gets the overpayment back from day one; challenging later only gets it back from the date the landlord received the challenge. The rent brake itself applies until 31 December 2029.
What you need to look up
Whether the municipality is on the state's list of tight-market areas, the city's current qualified reference rent, and the applicable range for the building's age, size and fittings.
Basis: Sections 556d to 556g of the German Civil Code (BGB), the rent brake (Mietpreisbremse), and section 558 BGB, the local reference rent. A law dated 23 July 2025 pushed the rent brake's expiry from the end of 2025 to 31 December 2029; the ten-percent cap, the higher-previous-rent rule and the October 2014 new-build cutoff were left unchanged.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-07-29.
The legal position in Austria
When and how the rent may be increased
Indexation applies only if agreed in the tenancy agreement, usually linked to the consumer price index. The reference rent itself is raised by regulation, most recently on 1 April 2026. That increase is capped by statute: at most 1 percent in 2026 and at most 2 percent in 2027. In practice an increase takes effect no earlier than the May 2026 rent period, because the increase notice may only be sent once the new reference rent takes effect, and it must reach the tenant at least 14 days before the payment date.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Exceeding the permitted rent is raised before the conciliation board ('Schlichtungsstelle') or the district court. For open-ended tenancies, repayment can be claimed back three years; for fixed-term tenancies, the period runs from the end of the tenancy.
What you need to look up
The state's current reference rent per square metre (last raised on 1 April 2026), the going rate for location surcharges in the district, and whether the building's year of construction brings it within the full scope of the Act.
Basis: Section 16 of the Austrian Tenancy Act (Mietrechtsgesetz, MRG), section 1(4) MRG (the full scope of application), the Richtwertgesetz (the reference-rent statute behind it), and the 25 percent fixed-term deduction under section 16(7) MRG. Confirmed independently on 17.08.2026 against the Mietervereinigung Österreichs and a law firm briefing on the 2026 valorisation reform (HSP.law): the caps on the April 2026 and April 2027 increases match the German original exactly.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-17.
The legal position in Switzerland
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase is valid only on the official form, with reasons given, and observing the notice period plus ten days. The usual grounds are a rise in the reference rate, inflation, and value-adding investment.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The initial rent can be challenged within 30 days of taking possession, before the conciliation authority. This deadline is short and runs without any reminder.
What you need to look up
Whether the canton has introduced the disclosure-form requirement, the going local and neighbourhood rent for the municipality and property type, and the federal mortgage reference rate currently in force, together with the date it last changed. The rate is reviewed quarterly and moves irregularly, never state it from memory.
Basis: Articles 269 and 269a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), on abusive rent, and Article 270 OR, on the rent agreed at the start of a tenancy.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-07-29.
The legal position in 30 further countries
This theme also has a legal basis on record for these countries, each with its statute and verification date. Expand your country.
Belgium
When and how the rent may be increased
Indexation is permitted only once per year, at the earliest on the anniversary of the contract start, and only if the contract is registered. Calculation is mandatory using the GESUNDHEITSINDEX, i.e. the consumer price index excluding tobacco, alcohol, and motor fuel, according to the fixed formula: new rent equals base rent times new index divided by base index. THE MOST IMPORTANT PRACTICAL POINT: if a valid energy performance certificate is missing, indexation is in many cases not permissible at all until it is produced. In Flanders, full indexation has again been permitted for all energy classes since 01.10.2023. In Brussels and Wallonia the bans have also expired, but correction factors continue to apply for contracts that ran during the freeze periods.
Your deadline, and how to use it
In Brussels, the application for a reduction is filed with the Commission paritaire des loyers / Paritaire Huurcommissie (Brussels rent tribunal). In the other regions, it is filed with the justice of the peace (juge de paix, vrederechter).
What you need to look up
The region of the address, the benchmark value of the Brussels grille (indicative rent schedule) for property type, floor area, and year of construction, the energy label of the building, and the applicable indexation rule. Also required are the base index for the contract month and the current Gesundheitsindex (health index), because the permissible rent cannot be calculated without both.
Basis: Regional tenancy law: Brüsseler Wohngesetzbuch, Flemish Woninghuurdecreet, and Walloon Code du logement.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Bulgaria
When and how the rent may be increased
The amount and any increase follow solely from the contract. Without an adjustment clause, the landlord cannot unilaterally increase the rent during the term.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A dispute over the rent level is decided by the courts under the Zakon za zadalzheniyata i dogovorite (ZZD).
What you need to look up
The customary local rents for the location and property type, and whether the contract contains an annual adjustment clause, often linked to the consumer price index.
Basis: Zakon za zadalzheniyata i dogovorite (Bulgarian act on obligations and contracts, ZZD), Art. 228-239. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Denmark
When and how the rent may be increased
Increases follow the law, the contract, and the development of costs and prices. In years of high inflation there was a temporary statutory cap on annual increases; whether it still applies must be checked in the individual case.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant may have the rent reviewed by the Huslejenævn (the municipal rent board); if it finds the rent too high, the rent will be reduced.
What you need to look up
Check whether the municipality is regulated, the year of construction, and the number of dwellings in the building; where cost-based rent applies, the recognised operating costs and the value applied. Also check whether a temporary statutory cap on increases is currently in effect.
Basis: Lejeloven (Danish tenancy law, consolidated since 01.07.2022; the former Boligreguleringslov has been absorbed into it). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Estonia
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase requires an agreement or a clause in the contract. After formal notice of an increase, the tenant has thirty days to contest it as excessive.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant must contest an excessive rent or increase within thirty days. The competent body is the üürikomisjon (rent commission) or the court.
What you need to look up
Local market rents for the location and property type, and whether the contract contains a valid rent increase clause.
Basis: Võlaõigusseadus (law of obligations), tenancy law; central rent control was abolished in 1992.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Finland
When and how the rent may be increased
Only in accordance with the adjustment rule agreed in the contract, usually an annual index adjustment. Without such a clause the tenant's consent is required.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A tenant who deems the rent or any increase unreasonable may apply to a court to have it reduced; the court may adjust an unreasonable rent.
What you need to look up
The escalation clause agreed in the contract and the current cost-of-living index published by Tilastokeskus (Statistics Finland).
Basis: Laki asuinhuoneiston vuokrauksesta (481/1995), the Finnish act governing residential tenancies. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
France
When and how the rent may be increased
Adjustment is permitted only once per year and at most by the change in the IRL (indice de référence des loyers, the rent reference index). For dwellings in energy classes F and G, the increase is blocked.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A reduction must be claimed within three years through the commission départementale de conciliation (departmental conciliation commission) and the courts. Class G dwellings may not be newly let since 01.01.2025.
What you need to look up
Check whether the municipality participates in the encadrement des loyers (rent control framework), the current loyer de référence majoré (upper reference rent) for the district, year of construction, number of rooms, and furnishing, as well as the energy class of the property. IMPORTANT: The encadrement remains a temporary experiment to date and expires on 25.11.2026. Whether it will be extended is open. For any statement covering a period after that date, the current status must be reviewed anew instead of carrying the limitation forward.
Basis: Loi n° 89-462, encadrement des loyers; Art. 17-1 applies to the adjustment. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Greece
When and how the rent may be increased
Any increase is governed by the contract, often tied to an index. Without such a clause, the consent of both parties is required.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The three-year minimum term binds both parties. Early termination is possible only by notarial deed. Disputes over the amount are decided by the court.
What you need to look up
The customary local rents for location and property type, and whether the contract contains an index clause for increases.
Basis: Astikos Kodikas, Art. 574 bis 618, and Law 1703/1987 on residential tenancies. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Ireland
When and how the rent may be increased
At most once a year, capped at the lower of 2 percent and the CPI. A tenancy from before 1 March 2026 cannot be reset to market rent, except after a substantial renovation. A new tenancy runs for at least six years; only at the end of such a six-year cycle can the rent be adjusted to market value.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A dispute over the amount goes to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution, not to court. A tenant should challenge the increase before it takes effect; the landlord's own notice period sets that window.
What you need to look up
The current Consumer Price Index reading from the Central Statistics Office for the period since the last increase, the date of that last increase, whether construction of the dwelling started after 10 June 2025, and whether the tenancy began before or after 1 March 2026. The RTB Rent Index gives the going local market rent.
Basis: The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, enacted 24 February 2026 with its main provisions in force from 1 March 2026, which replaced the old Rent Pressure Zones under sections 24A and 24B of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-17.
Iceland
When and how the rent may be increased
The procedure under 37. gr. a and 37. gr. c requires written, verifiable notice at least 3 months before the change takes effect, using the HMS standard form. Since L. 106/2024, every change must be registered in the HMS rent register; without registration, the tenant may refuse the increased portion.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant has 30 days to consent to a notified increase under 37. gr. a or 37. gr. c, to challenge it before the Kærunefnd húsamála (conciliation committee for housing matters), or to terminate the tenancy. If the tenant does not respond, the increase is deemed agreed.
What you need to look up
Whether and how widely contractual indexation to the Icelandic consumer price index is actually agreed is a matter of market practice, not of law.
Basis: 37. gr. of Húsaleigulög nr. 36/1994, supplemented by 37. gr. a to c (introduced by L. 121/2022 and L. 106/2024).. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Italy
When and how the rent may be increased
Adjustment follows the ISTAT consumer-price index, capped at 75 percent of the index change under a concordato. Under the 10 percent flat-rate tax, indexation is excluded entirely.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A dispute over the rent goes to the competent court; tenant unions (SUNIA, SICET, UNIAT) check a contract against the accordo territoriale.
What you need to look up
Whether the municipality is classed as having high housing demand, which matters only for the 10 percent flat-rate tax, not for the IMU reduction: the basis is the list under CIPE resolution 87/2003, which despite a statutory duty to review it every two years has remained unchanged since 2003; it covers every provincial capital plus a further group of municipalities. Also to check: the applicable accordo territoriale and its per-square-metre range for the property's zone, and whether the actual contract is in fact a concordato. THE PRACTICAL CATCH: both tax benefits depend on the attestazione del canone concordato, a certificate issued by one of the associations that signed the local accordo. It confirms the agreed rent falls within the permitted range, must be obtained BEFORE the contract is registered, and typically costs 50 to 150 euros, though some sources put it as high as 200. Without it, the tax authority can later deny both the 10 percent flat rate and the 25 percent IMU reduction.
Basis: Law 431/1998, Article 2(1) for the free-market contract (canone libero) and Article 2(3) for the agreed-rent contract (canone concordato); Law 208/2015, Article 1(53), for the nationwide IMU property-tax reduction.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Croatia
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase during the term requires agreement. Without a clause in the contract that permits adjustment, for example to an index, the landlord cannot raise the rent unilaterally; in practice, renegotiation takes place upon extension.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Contracts with a term exceeding one year must be in writing. In case of dispute, the court decides pursuant to Zakon o obveznim odnosima (Law on Obligations); there is no official rent review as exists in regulated countries.
What you need to look up
Local market rents for location and property type, and whether exceptionally a protected tenancy from the period before housing privatisation exists.
Basis: Zakon o najmu stanova (Law on Lease of Apartments); for contracts generally, Zakon o obveznim odnosima (Law on Obligations).. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Latvia
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase is possible only if the contract expressly permits it or both parties consent. Under a fixed term lease, the rent remains unchanged during the term unless otherwise agreed.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Courts decide disputes over the rent level under the Dzīvojamo telpu īres likums and the Civillikums.
What you need to look up
The local market rents for the location and property type, and whether the contract contains a rent increase clause.
Basis: Dzīvojamo telpu īres likums (residential tenancy law, 2021); supplemented by the Civillikums. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Liechtenstein
When and how the rent may be increased
No statutory increase limit was identified. The only known restriction is the general Wucherverbot (prohibition on usury) of the ABGB; there is no tenancy-specific ceiling.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant may challenge a rent increase within four weeks of notification, after which the claim is forfeited by Verwirkung (forfeiture by lapse) (secondary source, not verified against the text of § 1090).
What you need to look up
Whether the particular lease contains a Wertsicherungsklausel (value protection clause), since without a statutory limit the contract alone governs the mechanics of any increase.
Basis: § 1090 ABGB as amended by the Act of 9 June 2016, LGBl. 2016 Nr. 267 (25. Hauptstück, total revision effective 01.01.2017). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Lithuania
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase is possible at most once in twelve months and requires at least three months' written notice. The landlord may not increase the rent unilaterally, but only if the contract expressly grants him this right.
Your deadline, and how to use it
If the tenant does not agree to an increase, the tenant may bring it before the court. The court will then set the appropriate rent.
What you need to look up
The usual local rents for the location and property type, and whether the contract grants the landlord a right to increase rent.
Basis: Civilinis kodeksas (Law No. VIII-1864 of 2000), residential lease in Book 6. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Luxembourg
When and how the rent may be increased
A rent increase may be made at most every two years and must not exceed ten percent. This biennial limit has applied since the reform of 01.08.2024 and replaced the previous rule of the annual one-third.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant objects to an excessive rent by registered letter. If no agreement is reached, the municipal commission des loyers (rent commission) determines the invested capital on the basis of the supporting documents, after which the juge de paix (justice of the peace) decides; the application is filed without a lawyer at that court's office.
What you need to look up
The documented invested capital, meaning purchase price or construction costs together with value-enhancing works, the STATEC coefficient for the year of acquisition, and the building portion for the age discount. Planned, but as of 2026 not yet in force: a reduction of the rate from five to three and a half percent for new contracts (Projet de loi 8184).
Basis: Loi du 21 septembre 2006 sur le bail à usage d'habitation, Art. 3; reform in force since 01.08.2024. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Malta
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase is permitted at most once in twelve months, only if the contract provides for it, at most five percent, and not exceeding the movement of the official property price index.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A dispute over the rent goes to the Adjudicating Panel or the court; an unregistered contract disadvantages the landlord.
What you need to look up
The market rents for the location and type of property, the property price index published by the National Statistics Office, and whether the contract includes a rent increase clause.
Basis: Private Residential Leases Act (Cap. 604), in force since 2020; supplemented by the Civil Code (Cap. 16). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Netherlands
When and how the rent may be increased
The annual maximum increase for social and mid-market housing is set by the authorities and is mandatory. For the mid-market segment it is 6,1 percent from 01.01.2026, calculated from the collective wage growth of 5,1 percent plus one percentage point. Since 01.01.2025 the landlord must attach the points calculation for the dwelling to every NEW tenancy agreement. If it is missing, the tenant can challenge the rent at the Huurcommissie (rent tribunal) without performing their own calculation.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The Huurcommissie (rent tribunal) checks the rent against the point total and reduces it. For agreements in the regulated sector, this review is not limited in time to the initial months.
What you need to look up
The point total of the specific dwelling under the Woningwaarderingsstelsel (WWS) (floor area, energy label, WOZ-waarde of the municipality) and the official maximum amount for that point total in the current year.
Basis: Woningwaarderingsstelsel (WWS) (points-based rental valuation system), Wet betaalbare huur (law on affordable rent) since 01.07.2024. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Norway
When and how the rent may be increased
During the term of the lease, the rent may be adjusted once a year in line with the Consumer Price Index, with at least thirty days' notice. In addition, an adjustment to the customary rent (gjengs leie) may be demanded every two and a half years, with six months' notice.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Disputes over the level of rent are decided by the tenancy dispute tribunal (Husleietvistutvalget) or the conciliation board (forliksrådet).
What you need to look up
The customary rent (gjengs leie) for comparable dwellings at the location and the current level of the Consumer Price Index (KPI) from Statistisk sentralbyrå.
Basis: Husleieloven (Norwegian Tenancy Act of 2000). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Poland
When and how the rent may be increased
Notice of the increase must be given in writing with a notice period of three months expiring at the end of a calendar month, unless the contract provides for a longer period. An increase up to the previous year's inflation rate is deemed justified. If the tenant so requests in writing, the landlord must submit the grounds and calculation in writing within 14 days; otherwise the increase is ineffective.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant may challenge the increase in court within two months of receipt; until a decision is rendered, the previous rent remains due.
What you need to look up
Check the wartość odtworzeniowa (replacement value) per m² for the województwo (voivodeship), the currently published annual average of consumer prices, and whether the lease is a najem okazjonalny (occasional tenancy) or najem instytucjonalny (institutional tenancy). WHERE THE VALUE IS PUBLISHED: The Wojewoda (regional governor) publishes the wartość odtworzeniowa for the relevant województwo annually; it is not a nationwide figure and must therefore always be checked regionally. STATUS NOTE: In 2026, the Ministry of Development and Technology presented a draft to amend the Ustawa o ochronie praw lokatorów, inter alia regarding written form and income verification for municipal dwellings. A draft is not binding law; it is deliberately not reproduced here as a rule, but only noted as a reminder to verify the current status before making any statement.
Basis: Ustawa o ochronie praw lokatorów z 21.06.2001 (Act on the Protection of Tenants Rights), Art. 8a. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Portugal
When and how the rent may be increased
Once a year, at most by the official coefficient, and only with written notice at least 30 days in advance. The coefficient reflects the average change in the consumer price index WITHOUT housing over the twelve months to August of the previous year. It applies to residential and commercial leases equally, provided the parties have not agreed otherwise. An increase can only be demanded once one year has elapsed since the contract or the last adjustment.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Disputes over the adjustment go to the Balcão Nacional do Arrendamento (national lease desk) or the court.
What you need to look up
The Coeficiente de atualização (official rent update coefficient) for the current year, whether a statutory cap applies to the contract type, and the customary local rents in the municipality. WHERE IT IS PUBLISHED: The coefficient is calculated by the Instituto Nacional de Estatística and published in the autumn of the previous year as an Aviso (official notice) in the Diário da República, for 2026 as Aviso n.º 23174/2025/2 of 19.09.2025. It applies from 1 January. Never estimate. Always use the Aviso for the relevant year.
Basis: Código Civil, Art. 1064-1113 (arrendamento urbano), as set out in the Novo Regime do Arrendamento Urbano (NRAU, Lei n.º 6/2006). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Romania
When and how the rent may be increased
An increase is permissible if the contract provides for it, for example as a stepped increase or through linkage to inflation. Without such a clause, the consent of both parties is required.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The court decides disputes over the rent under the Codul civil.
What you need to look up
The local market rents for location and property type, and whether the contract provides for an index clause or a stepped increase.
Basis: Codul civil (Legea nr. 287/2009), locațiune (lease), Art. 1777 bis 1850. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Sweden
When and how the rent may be increased
Increases are only made through the annual collective negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the Hyresnämnd (local rent tribunal) decides. NEW BUILDING EXCEPTION: Through the presumtionshyra (presumptive rent), owners and the tenants' association can agree on a rent for a new build that is deemed appropriate for fifteen years and is not measured against bruksvärde during that time. From 01.01.2026, these rents too are in principle raised annually on a percentage basis like all others, namely by the general rent trend in the locality, unless a special reason exists for a different amount. Previously, the adjustment during the presumption period was more narrowly defined.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The Hyresnämnd (local rent tribunal) may reduce the rent to the bruksvärde (use value) and order repayment of any rent paid in excess.
What you need to look up
Negotiated rents for comparable dwellings at the location, year of construction and standard of fittings, plus whether the arrangement is an andrahandsuthyrning (subletting), which is subject to its own rules. In addition: whether a presumtionshyra (presumptive rent) was agreed for the new build, because the bruksvärde comparison then does not apply for fifteen years.
Basis: Jordabalken 12 kap. (hyreslagen), bruksvärdessystem (use-value system). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Serbia
When and how the rent may be increased
Any increase is governed by the agreement. In the absence of an adjustment clause, the consent of both parties is required.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Under an open-ended contract, either party may terminate with notice. Any dispute over the amount is decided by the court.
What you need to look up
The rents customary for the location and property type, and whether the agreement is fixed-term or open-ended.
Basis: Zakon o obligacionim odnosima (Sl. list SFRJ 29/78), zakup (lease).. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Slovakia
When and how the rent may be increased
Any change to the rent requires the consent of both parties, unless the contract contains a valid adjustment clause.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A lease of a dwelling is protected by law and may be terminated only for the reasons stated in the law. Any dispute over the amount is decided by the court.
What you need to look up
Local market rents for the location and property type, and whether the contract contains a valid adjustment clause.
Basis: Občiansky zákonník (40/1964 Zb.), lease agreement for a dwelling (nájomná zmluva). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Slovenia
When and how the rent may be increased
Where the rent is freely agreed, any increase follows the contract. The upper limit remains the threshold for usurious rent of fifty percent above the average market rent.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant may ask the municipal authority responsible for housing matters to review the rent. If it deems the rent usurious, the rent is reduced.
What you need to look up
The average market rent in the municipality for comparable dwellings by location and fittings, and comparison with the region if the local market is small. Whether the unit is a nonprofit dwelling (neprofitno stanovanje) to which the official methodology rather than free rent setting applies.
Basis: Stanovanjski zakon (SZ-1), 115. člen; prohibition of usurious rent (oderuška najemnina).. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Spain
When and how the rent may be increased
Annual adjustment is by reference to the IRAV (Índice de Referencia de Alquiler de Vivienda) of the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadística), no longer by reference to the consumer price index. It applies to contracts for the principal dwelling concluded on or after 26.05.2023 and is published monthly. IMPORTANT FOR 2026: The additional 2 per cent cap under RDL 8/2026 expired on 29.04.2026. Adjustments from May 2026 onwards are again based on the full IPC (Índice de Precios al Consumo) or IRAV. In a zona tensionada (stressed market zone), however, the increase must in no case exceed the IRAV.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Overpaid rent is reclaimed under civil law. The Autonomous Communities additionally punish violations as administrative offences.
What you need to look up
Whether the municipality has been declared a zona tensionada (stressed market zone) (as of July 2026 over 300 municipalities in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Navarre and Galicia); the SERPAVI value for the address, floor area and year of construction; and the rent under the previous contract.
Basis: Ley 12/2023 por el derecho a la vivienda, Art. 17 f., together with the LAU. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Czechia
When and how the rent may be increased
A proposal is possible at the earliest twelve months after the last increase, at most twenty percent in three years, and never above the customary local rent.
Your deadline, and how to use it
The tenant has two months to agree to the proposal. If the tenant does not agree, the landlord may apply to the court within a further ninety days. The court then fixes the customary local rent, and in this case the twenty percent limit does not apply.
What you need to look up
The local comparable rent for location, size, and condition, and whether an increase has already been made in the last three years and by how much.
Basis: Občanský zákoník (Act No. 89/2012 Sb.), § 2246 ff.; § 2249 for the increase. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Hungary
When and how the rent may be increased
Any increase during the term is governed by the contract. Under open-ended contracts, the landlord may raise the rent by written notice in accordance with the agreed rule; without such a basis, the tenant's consent is required.
Your deadline, and how to use it
A fixed-term contract ends on the agreed date and can be terminated earlier only in the event of breach of contract. A court decides disputes over the rent level under the Polgári Törvénykönyv; there is no official rent assessment.
What you need to look up
Review local market rents for the location and property type, and check whether the contract is fixed-term or open-ended, because termination depends on this.
Basis: 1993. évi LXXVIII. törvény (housing act, lakástörvény), supplemented by the Polgári Törvénykönyv (2013. évi V. törvény). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
United Kingdom
When and how the rent may be increased
At most ONCE in twelve months, by a section 13 notice on the official Form 4A, with at least two months' notice. There is no cap on the amount, and the landlord may propose any rent. The tenant's lever lies elsewhere: they can refer the proposal to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), and since 1 May 2026 the Tribunal may only CONFIRM OR LOWER the rent, never raise it. Before that, a referral could backfire, because the Tribunal was also allowed to go above the proposal. That reversal is the most important practical change for tenants.
Your deadline, and how to use it
Referral to the Tribunal has to happen before the increase takes effect, so within the two-month notice period. For older cases: after 31 July 2026, a section 21 notice can no longer support a possession claim.
What you need to look up
The going local rent for the postcode and property type, and the remaining term on a leasehold. IMPORTANT ON SCOPE: the Renters' Rights Act applies to ENGLAND. Wales has its own system under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, with occupation contracts; Scotland has its own under the private residential tenancy. Always check which nation the property is in before saying anything; applying the English rules there would be wrong.
Basis: England: the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force since 1 May 2026, which rebuilds the Housing Act 1988; section 13 of that Act, as amended, governs the increase.. Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-17.
Cyprus
When and how the rent may be increased
For controlled rents, at most every two years and only up to the officially fixed rate. On the free market, the increase follows the contract.
Your deadline, and how to use it
For controlled tenancies, the Rent Disputes Court decides on the rent amount and eviction; on the free market, the civil court has jurisdiction.
What you need to look up
Check whether the property was completed before 2000 and lies in a controlled area, and whether a statutory tenant exists. For controlled rents, the official maximum increase rate, capped at six percent by decree for 2023 to 2025.
Basis: Controlled tenancies are governed by the Rent Control Law 23/1983; the free market falls under the Contract Law (Cap. 149). Last checked against the legal text: 2026-08-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to consent to the increase in writing?
That depends on the trigger. With an agreed indexation clause or a rise in an official value, the increase takes effect without your consent. For an adjustment to the local going rate, several legal systems require consent, which can also come about through conduct.
What happens if I pay the higher rent under reservation?
The reservation keeps your claim to repayment open and avoids any accusation of being in arrears. It does not replace an objection made within the deadline where one is required.
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