Responsibility for deciding challenges to rent increases in England will transfer from the First-tier Tribunal to HMRC’s Valuation Office, the government announced on 9 September 2026. This change, confirmed alongside a landlord registration service, aims to ensure challenges are determined faster and reduce pressure on the tribunal system, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Since 1 May 2026, Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, as amended by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, has been the only lawful way to increase rent on an assured periodic tenancy. Referral volumes have increased significantly since this new framework commenced, with decisions rising from an average of 42 per month in the year prior to the Act to 166 in July 2026.
The government has not yet published a timetable for this transfer, and the Housing Minister has suggested that further legislation may be required. Until the transfer takes effect, challenges will continue to be handled by the First-tier Tribunal. Details regarding the Valuation Office's procedure, accepted evidence, and appeal routes are still to be confirmed.