The system for adjudicating disputed rent increases in England is failing both tenants and landlords, according to people on both sides of the dispute, after tribunal panels continued to approve rent hikes of up to 88% despite the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.
The Renters’ Rights Act, which took effect in May, was designed in part to make it simpler and less risky for tenants to challenge what they regard as unfair rent increases. In the months since the law came into force, tenants have brought disputes in record numbers to rent tribunals across England.
However, the rise in challenges has not translated into widespread overturning of landlord proposals. Tribunal decisions approving large increases — in some cases reported as reaching 88% — have continued, prompting frustration among renters who had expected the new legislation to curb steep rises and among some landlords who say the system is not delivering consistent, predictable outcomes.
Tenants and landlords quoted in accounts of the situation described the rent tribunal system as "not working for anyone," arguing that the gap between the act's objectives and tribunal rulings has left many uncertain about how the law will affect future rent-setting and disputes.
The surge in contested cases demonstrates that renters are increasingly prepared to use the legal route made more accessible by the act. At the same time, the persistence of substantial approved increases has raised questions about how tribunals are applying the new framework, and whether additional changes will be needed to achieve the policy goals set out when the law was introduced.