Residential property tribunal cases saw a 56% year-on-year increase during the quarter in which the Renters' Rights Act was implemented. Analysis of Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures by Savills indicates that 4,613 cases were received between April and June, compared to just under 3,000 during the same three months last year.
The key tenancy reforms within the Act became effective on 1 May, meaning the reported quarter includes two months operating under the new regulations. The MoJ has stated that the first full quarter following the Act's implementation will cover July to September, with these figures expected to be published in December.
Over the 12 months ending in June, 15,929 residential property cases were received, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. This suggests that tribunal activity was already rising before the Act took effect.
The MoJ's residential property category encompasses various case types, including rent disputes, leasehold enfranchisement claims, and Housing Act 2004 cases. Following the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and the introduction of a new rent increase regime, attention for landlords is increasingly focused on rent cases.
Under the Act, landlords must follow a statutory process for rent increases, and tenants have the right to challenge proposed increases at the First-tier Tribunal. Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, anticipates a significant rise in referrals, particularly concerning rent reviews, as both landlords and tenants adapt to the new system.