What is a Guaranteed Rent Scheme and Is It Right for You?
November 2, 2024
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TL;DR
From 1 May 2026, rent increases will only be allowed once per year under a formal Section 13 process, and tenants will have the right to challenge increases they believe exceed true market value. This creates new limits, new risks, and new admin obligations for landlords. Leasing your property to Citywide Housing removes this risk entirely because your rent is consistent, guaranteed, and unaffected by the Renters Rights Act.
What’s in This Article:
- How rent increases will work under the new Renters Rights Act
- How tenants can challenge increases
- Examples of rent increase disputes
- How this impacts landlords in Bradford, Leeds, and West Yorkshire
- How Citywide Housing protects your income
- FAQs
How Rent Increases Will Work From May 2026
Under the Renters Rights Act, landlords will only be able to increase rent once within any 12-month period.
The increase must be:
- Issued through a formal Section 13 notice
- In line with prevailing market rents
- Reasonable and evidence-based
Tenancies will be periodic, meaning landlords cannot build annual increases into fixed-term ASTs because ASTs will no longer exist.
This creates more scrutiny and less flexibility for landlords who rely on annual rent reviews.
Can Tenants Challenge Rent Increases? Yes — and Easily
Tenants will have a clear right to challenge the increase through the First-Tier Tribunal.
A dispute may occur if:
- A landlord raises rent too sharply
- Local market rents do not support the increase
- The property has repairs or safety issues
If the tribunal believes the increase is above market value, they can reduce it.
Example: Bradford Rent Increase Dispute
A landlord increases rent from £800 to £1,000 to reflect higher mortgage rates.
The tenant challenges the increase.
The tribunal reviews comparable rents in the same postcode and determines true market rent is £875.
Outcome:
- Landlord is forced to accept a lower rent
- Time and money are lost
- The relationship with the tenant becomes strained
Example: Leeds HMO Rent Challenge
A landlord raises room rates in a 5-bed HMO.
Tenants challenge based on:
- Condition of the shared kitchen
- Age of carpets
- Lack of recent improvements
The tribunal adjusts the increase downward because the property needs works.
This demonstrates how easy it becomes for tenants to contest rises.
Why This Matters for Landlords
From 2026 onward, landlords lose the ability to:
- Increase rents freely
- Link rent rises to fixed-term renewal periods
- Set annual increases above market rate
This makes long-term planning harder, especially in:
- Bradford
- Leeds
- Manchester
- West Yorkshire
These regions already have tight competition and rising regulation, meaning challenges may become more common.
FAQs
Can I raise the rent more than once a year?
No. The Act strictly limits rent increases to once every 12 months.
Can a tenant challenge even a small rent rise?
Yes. Any rise can be challenged if the tenant believes it is above market rate.
Does this apply if I lease to Citywide?
No. You agree one commercial rent with Citywide for the full term.
How Our Guaranteed Rent Scheme Works
Step 1: Get in Touch
Contact us today by phone or complete our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation property consultation.
Step 2: Property Assessment
We’ll visit your property to assess its condition, provide recommendations for any necessary improvements, and ensure it meets all required standards.
Step 3: Compliance & Handover
We manage the entire compliance process, carry out any necessary repairs, and arrange for an inventory check before officially handing over the property.
Step 4: Consistent Rent Begins
Once everything is in place, we take care of the property management, and you’ll start receiving consistent rent every month.
Why Guaranteed Rent is Perfect for Bradford Property Investors
Bradford is a thriving city with a strong rental market. However, like many areas in the UK, landlords often face the challenges of tenant turnover, property voids, and late payments. By partnering with Citywide Housing, you gain the peace of mind of knowing that you will receive a consistent, hassle-free income.
Bradford also benefits from high demand in areas like Keighley, Shipley, Ilkley, and Baildon, making it an ideal location for guaranteed rent schemes.
How Citywide Housing Group Supports Landlords
At Citywide Housing Group, we specialise in helping landlords secure guaranteed income with long-term leases. Our approach ensures:
Full Property Management: From tenant management to maintenance, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.
Compliance and Legal Support: We ensure that all your properties meet legal requirements and comply with housing standards.
No Hidden Fees: We believe in transparency, with no surprise costs—what we agree on is what you get.
Local Expertise: Our team is familiar with the Bradford housing market, ensuring you get the best returns for your property.
FAQs About Guaranteed Rent for Bradford Landlords
Our leases typically last between 3 to 5 years, offering landlords long-term stability.
Even if your property is vacant, you will still receive guaranteed rent payments.
Yes, you can sell your property at any time, but your guaranteed rent payments will continue until the end of the lease agreement.
Contact us for a free property assessment and see how our guaranteed rent scheme can benefit your Bradford property.
How to Get Started with Citywide Housing Group
If you’re ready to secure fixed, reliable income with no voids or arrears, it’s time to join the growing number of landlords in Bradford benefiting from guaranteed rent schemes.
Contact Citywide Housing Group today to schedule your free property assessment and discover how we can help you unlock the potential of your property.
For more information, visit Citywide Housing or call us at 0113 323 0678.
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