Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Tenants Urged to 'Flood' Tribunals Over Rent Rises
Campaign groups are encouraging tenants to challenge rent increases at tribunal, according to a report by Property118. Tenants' groups in Oxford, London and Manchester are promoting challenges even where tenants can afford the proposed increase.
Property118 reports that landlords seeking even minimal rent increases could face tribunal challenges as a result of the campaign. The report cites The Telegraph as the source of the information on the groups' activity.
According to the report, applications cost £47 under rules introduced in May. The excerpt also notes that tenants continue to pay their rent while the process proceeds.
What This Means for Letting Agents
The development is relevant to letting agents and inventory clerks working with landlords who are considering rent adjustments. Where a tenant contests a proposed increase, the matter can proceed to a tribunal rather than being resolved directly between landlord and tenant.
The report indicates that the campaign is not limited to cases of affordability, with groups promoting challenges even where tenants can afford the proposed increase. For agents managing rent reviews, this suggests a greater likelihood of formal challenges to increases that would previously have been accepted without dispute.
The £47 application fee, introduced under rules in May, is identified in the report as the cost to tenants of making an application. The report also states that tenants continue to pay their rent during the process.
Limited Detail in Source
This brief is based on a short excerpt and does not include further detail on the specific rules referenced, the full scope of the campaign, or the outcome of any challenges. Letting agents seeking more information should refer to the original Property118 article.
Source: Property118