Rent is rising: Here's what you need to know and where to get help
This morning, Stuart Dark, our Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, spoke on BBC Radio Norfolk about the rising costs, what's behind them and what renters can do if they're struggling.
The price of renting a home in the East of England has risen by 3.5% in the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Tenants typically spend around 32.5% of their income on rent (HomeLet).
The Renters' Rights Act came into force in May 2026. Stuart explained: "the significant changes around the renters rights act has caused fluctuations, uncertainty and a lack of understanding of what the processes are."
Over the last year, Norfolk Citizens Advice helped 2,396 people with more than 5,400 housing issues. 170 of those were specifically about rent increases and affordability. So, what do renters need to know, and what can you do if you're struggling to pay?
What has changed for tenants
The Renters' Rights Act gives tenants more protection in several ways:
No rent rise in year one. Landlords can't increase your rent at all in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
Two months' notice, in writing. Your landlord must use a specific form, Form 4A, and give you two months' notice before any increase takes effect.
It must be fair. The new rent can't be higher than the going market rate. If you think it is, you can challenge it.
Old rent review clauses no longer count. Even if your tenancy agreement lets the landlord raise the rent, that clause stopped applying after 1 May 2026.
If you want to challenge a rent increase
Check the notice is valid. Landlords must follow the section 13 process, using Form 4A, to increase your rent. If you're not sure your notice is valid, Citizens Advice can check it for you.
Talk to your landlord first. If the notice is valid, speak to your landlord and try to reach an agreement. We have a dedicated page on this on the Citizens Advice website.
If you can't agree, go to tribunal. It costs £47, and we can help with the paperwork and evidence.
The key reassurance: you can't be evicted for challenging a rent increase.
If you've fallen behind on rent
Our advice is simple: don't panic, but don't ignore it either.
Talk to your landlord straight away and explain what's happened.
Check exactly what you owe. Mistakes happen, so don't just take the figure at face value.
Work out what you can realistically afford to pay back.
Paying something regularly, even if it's not the full amount, makes a real difference and helps people stay in their homes.
A few things people don't always realise: you might not be liable for the full arrears if you share the tenancy, took it over from someone else, or your landlord didn't follow the correct process to raise the rent in the first place.
Extra help available
Turn2us has a free benefits calculator. It's worth checking even if you think you're not entitled to anything.
Breathing Space is a government-backed scheme. If you qualify, you get 60 days during which your landlord can't chase you for arrears, add charges or apply interest. You access it through a free debt adviser, including at Citizens Advice.
Your local council and local charities can also help if you're already on benefits and struggling.
Come and talk to us
Whatever your situation, whether it's a rent increase you think is unfair or arrears building up, Norfolk Citizens Advice is here to help. Get in touch with us today.