How to challenge a rent increase in the tribunal
The law has changed
The Renters' Rights Act changed some of the rules for challenging a rent increase in the tribunal from 1 May 2026.
This guide will be updated shortly to cover the new rules.
Find out more about rent increases for assured tenants.
Guide for professionals
Challenging a rent increase
This guide explains how a private tenant can challenge a section 13 rent increase.
A private landlord can increase a periodic assured or assured shorthold tenant's rent by following the process under section 13 Housing Act 1988.
A landlord must issue a valid section 13 notice to start the rent increase process.
A tenant can challenge a rent increase by submitting an application to the First-tier Tribunal.
The tribunal can:
consider evidence from the landlord and tenant
complete an inspection of the property if necessary
decide the market rent for the property
inform the tenant of the new rent and when it will start
Last updated: 19 October 2025