Fixed-term tenancies

You can increase the rent during the fixed-term period of the tenancy only if the tenancy agreement has a rent review clause or the tenant agrees to a rent increase.

Once this is agreed with the tenant, you must give them a notice of variation within 28 days of the change taking effect.

Where the tenancy is controlled, the landlord can only increase the rent by applying to the Rent Officer.

For more information on the Rent Officer for Northern Ireland, visit the NI Direct website.

Periodic tenancies

A periodic tenancy runs from one rental period to the next; you can increase the rent at the end of any rental period.

If you agree a rent increase with the tenant, you must give them a notice of variation within 28 days of the change taking effect.

Rent-controlled tenancies

If the local council has refused to issue a certificate of fitness for the property, the tenancy becomes a rent-controlled tenancy; this means the rent is fixed at a certain amount and you can't charge a higher amount – see Housing standards.

You can appeal to the county court against a refusal to make a certificate of fitness and to a rent assessment committee if you want to increase the rent of a rent-controlled tenancy.

For more about the Rent Officer for Northern Ireland see nidirect.

Change to tenancy terms (statutory periodic tenancies)

A statutory periodic tenancy is created when a fixed-term tenancy ends and the tenant stays in possession of the property without a new tenancy agreement. The statutory periodic tenancy usually continues on the same terms as the previous tenancy (but is not fixed term).

Once a tenancy has become a statutory periodic tenancy, you and the tenant are free to agree to new terms (including a rent increase).

If new terms are agreed, you must give them a notice of variation within 28 days of the change taking effect.