Time for a Rent Review? Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Talk About Rent Increases
Feeling nervous about raising the rent? You’re not alone. Many landlords avoid rent reviews out of fear—fear of upsetting long-term tenants, facing costly maintenance, or ending up with a void. But keeping rents low to “keep the peace” can quietly drain your profits and undervalue your property. The truth is, a well-handled rent review doesn’t have to cause conflict—and in many cases, it leads to stronger tenancies and a healthier return on your investment.
Why Landlords Avoid Rent Reviews
It’s a scenario we see time and time again: landlords with long-standing tenants who haven’t had a rent increase in years. The hesitation is understandable. You worry that raising the rent might rock the boat, lead to complaints—or worse, prompt the tenant to leave. And with that comes the dreaded prospect of void periods, potential redecoration, and the unknown cost of getting the property “market-ready” again.
But here’s the reality—by keeping rents artificially low out of fear, you’re often short-changing yourself. Your property may be in high demand, and your current rent might be significantly under market value. Over time, this adds up to a major loss in income.
Many landlords fall into the “better the devil you know” cycle, where stability is prioritised over sustainability. But letting things drift too far from market value can cause problems later, especially when property maintenance is needed and the funds just aren’t there.
Rent reviews aren’t about being greedy—they’re about keeping things fair, current, and commercially viable. If the rent doesn’t reflect the true value of the property, you’re effectively subsidising the tenancy. And that’s not a sustainable business model.
What Happens When You Do Have the Conversation
So, what actually happens when you speak to a tenant about a rent review?
In most cases, the reaction isn’t nearly as dramatic as landlords fear. Tenants often already have a good idea of what similar properties are going for in the area. When they compare, many realise they’re still getting excellent value—even with a modest increase—and are happy to stay put.
Sometimes, tenants might say, “I’m happy to stay, but would you consider…” and request a repair or small improvement in exchange. This is a great opportunity to reinvest in the property while maintaining a good tenant relationship.
And yes, occasionally a tenant may decide to leave. If they do, it can feel daunting—but it also gives you the chance to refresh the property and re-let it at full market value. That short-term cost can translate into a stronger long-term return.
The key takeaway? Rent reviews open a conversation. They don’t have to lead to conflict or chaos—more often, they lead to clarity, fairness, and better outcomes for everyone.
Case Study – 41% Rent Roll Increase
We recently worked with a pair of landlords who owned a large block of 16 flats. Over time, they’d fallen into the common trap—longstanding tenants, minimal rent reviews, and a reluctance to “rock the boat.” Their biggest fear? That rent increases would cause mass departures, leaving them with empty units and mounting maintenance bills.
At the same time, the property was struggling financially. Income wasn’t covering the necessary upkeep, and the landlords were losing confidence in the building’s potential.
We started by letting a vacant flat at full market value, showing the landlords what the building could truly achieve. With that benchmark in place, we carefully reviewed rents across the rest of the units. Some needed only a modest uplift. Others were well below market rate.
Twelve tenants received rent increase proposals. Of those, 11 accepted without issue. No arguments, no dramas—just a quiet recognition that the review was fair.
The result? A 41% increase in overall rent roll. This uplift transformed the financial viability of the building. The landlords now have funds to invest in proactive maintenance, refresh communal areas, and improve the property overall.
It’s a perfect example of how rent reviews—handled properly—can breathe new life into a rental investment.
Why Most Tenants Don’t Walk Away
Landlords often overestimate how likely tenants are to leave over a rent increase. The truth is, most tenants value stability—and moving is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.
When faced with a fair rent review, many tenants simply won’t want to go through the hassle of finding somewhere new. They know what they’re getting with your property, and unless there are serious issues, they’d often rather stay put than start over elsewhere.
Plus, with rents rising across the board, tenants checking online portals quickly realise that your revised rent is still competitive—or even better than what’s available on the open market.
At Bright Star Lettings, we’ve seen time and again how tenants respond with understanding, especially when the increase is communicated clearly and reasonably. The key is transparency and timing. Give tenants notice, explain the reason behind the change, and keep the lines of communication open.
In the vast majority of cases, tenants choose to stay—grateful that they were kept in the loop, and reassured that they’re still getting good value.
How to Approach Rent Reviews the Right Way
A successful rent review starts with preparation and clarity. Before approaching your tenant, take the time to research local market rents for similar properties. This helps you set a fair and justifiable figure—one that reflects both current market conditions and the condition of your property.
Next, consider how and when to deliver the news. Rent reviews should be planned well in advance, with written notice given in line with the tenancy agreement (usually one to two months). Avoid sudden hikes or last-minute demands. Instead, be upfront, clear, and respectful in your communication.
It’s also worth framing the conversation positively. Explain that you’ve kept rents steady but, due to rising costs or local demand, a small increase is now necessary to keep things sustainable. If you’ve recently improved the property, highlight that too—it helps justify the value.
And finally, be open to discussion. Some tenants may ask questions or suggest compromises. That’s okay. Most aren’t trying to negotiate for the sake of it—they just want to feel heard.
Handled professionally, a rent review is a routine part of property management—not something to be feared.
Your Property is a Business
Rent reviews aren’t about being difficult—they’re about protecting your investment. If you’ve been holding back out of fear, it might be time to rethink. A fair, well-timed review can strengthen your rental income, support essential maintenance, and actually improve tenant relationships in the long run.
At Bright Star Lettings, we support landlords through every step of the process—from assessing market value to communicating changes clearly and professionally. Whether you manage one flat or a full block, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Thinking of a rent review? Let’s talk.