How to challenge a rent increase in the tribunal
Guide for professionals
Gather evidence for the tribunal
A tenant can gather evidence to present to the tribunal to support their application.
The tribunal will write to the tenant to request further evidence about the rent increase if needed.
The purpose of the evidence is to show that the market rent for the property is lower than the rent proposed by the landlord.
Help your client gather evidence such as:
research on market rent in the area
photographs showing the property's condition
receipts for home improvements
Keep a photocopy of the evidence and send it to both the tribunal and the landlord by email or post.
Case study example
Ivan lives in a one-bedroom flat on the third floor. His landlord issued a section 13 notice to increase the rent from £825 to £1050 per month. Ivan and his adviser collect evidence to support a tribunal challenge.
Comparable properties
Ivan finds four similar flats in the same block advertised between £790-£1000 per month. He highlights key differences, such as one flat being on the ground floor with a garden. Other flats include white goods, while Ivan must pay to use the communal washing machines.
Neighbour comparison
Ivan gathers written statements from neighbours with the same size and layout. One neighbour pays £20 less than the proposed rent despite having upgraded floors and a modern kitchen.
Property condition
Ivan takes photos showing damp and mould in the bathroom, which has no window or heating. The lack of ventilation increases his energy bills, as he must run the extractor fan for extended periods and use a dehumidifier.
Ivan also saves screenshots of messages sent he sent to the landlord about these problems.
Home improvements
With the landlord's permission, Ivan paid to have the entire flat repainted when he moved in to make it liveable. He kept receipts for the repainting costs.
Last updated: 19 October 2025