New data indicates a significant increase in landlords being taken to tribunal over rent increases, following the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act. Property tribunals made 166 market rent decisions in July, almost four times the 44 decisions recorded in July 2025.
Data from Hamptons, reported by The Times, shows that the monthly average for decisions was 42 in the year leading up to late April 2026. This figure rose to 109 in May and 129 in June, with tenants initiating around 60% of the most recent cases.
Industry experts suggest the Renters' Rights Act has shifted the balance of power towards tenants. Paul Rooke, a partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, stated that the Act has reduced the downside for tenants challenging rent increases by removing the threat of 'no-fault' evictions and eliminating the risk of backdated rent liability.
Landlords seeking to increase rent on a periodic tenancy must now use a Section 13 notice, providing at least two months' notice and proposing no more than the open market rent. Tenants can challenge this notice at the First-tier Tribunal for a £47 fee.
Kristine Ng, a partner at Morr & Co, noted that landlords should have evidence to support any proposed rent increase. She highlighted that tribunals are concerned with market rent, not solely a landlord's increased costs, and advised landlords to ensure increases are supported by evidence of comparable local lettings and market conditions.