How to word email about rent increase to tenants?

[Divoc2020]

There hasn't been a rent increase for the last 3 years, but now with the increase in all my costs I need to do it.
The increase is well below inflation and will result in a rental income which is at the absolute bottom of the range for the property location.
I like my tenants, and I want to keep them.

Is there anything I can say to make this less crap? Should I share the economic inflation/ market data to justify it?

(There's a proper 'Form 4' I need to send, but I'm talking about the email...)

Hi

I'm really sorry, but after keeping the rent the same for the past 3 years, I'm going to now have to put it up to £??? I've kept it as low as I can whilst still being able to pay my bills.

I realise this is going to be bad timing. I can't make any promises, but if this is going to be a really big problem for you, we can discuss it further and see if there's any wriggle room.

Kind regards.

Thanks.
There really isn't any wriggle room, so I don't want to offer that! As it is, I will struggle to break even.

It’s not some terrible thing you’re doing them. A polite progressional
email Telling that from
x date the rent will increase by x. Perhaps note the rent remains below market rent and you appreciate that they are good tenants

Dont offer wiggle room. You're not doing anything wrong.
Just be polite and concise. They know the economic climate. It cant possibly come as a surprise.

If it's for me, please just keep it in your drafts 😫

I wouldn't go overboard with explanations. Just state facts. Due to increased costs across the board you need to increase rent to ##. You don't do it lightly as you value them as tenants, but rent hasn't increased for however many years and needs to be revised.

Don't use inflation as a reason - I'm pretty sure their income hasn't risen with inflation, so it won't make the increase any more palatable.

Just say the facts f increased costs

if you had to sell up would the new owners be as considerate?