How to challenge a rent increase at the First-tier Tribunal (2026)

Last checked 21 October 2026 against GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk, Shelter and Citizens Advice. England only. Not legal advice.

If your landlord serves a section 13 notice and you think the new rent is more than the open-market rent, you can ask the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to decide the rent. You can also ask it to decide whether the notice is valid.

Before you apply

• Talk to your landlord. Explain why you think the increase is too high and what you could afford. If you agree a rent, get it in writing.
• Check the notice is valid. Use our free checker.

Step by step

1. Apply online or on paper. Use the GOV.UK online service or Form MR1. If you use the paper form, email it to your regional tribunal office (addresses are at the end of the form).
2. Pay the £47 fee (for notices dated on or after 1 May 2026). You may get help with fees if you have a low income or get certain benefits.
3. Include your evidence: the notice, your tenancy agreement, photos of every room and the outside, a rough floor plan, details of repairs and improvements, and rents for similar nearby homes.
4. Send a copy to your landlord if you applied by email or post.
5. Landlord's response: they have 28 days to respond on form MR2; you can reply on form MR3.
6. Decision: usually on the papers; the tribunal may inspect or hold a hearing. You get a written decision.

What the tribunal can decide

• If the notice is invalid, it won't set a rent and you don't need to pay the proposed rent.
• For notices served on or after 1 May 2026, the tribunal cannot set a rent higher than your landlord proposed. It could be the same or lower.
• The new rent normally starts from the next rent period after the decision. You don't have to pay the new amount until the tribunal decides.

Good comparable-rent evidence

GOV.UK says evidence from actual agreed lettings of similar nearby homes is stronger than adverts, and stronger than housing association rents or Local Housing Allowance rates. Adverts on Rightmove, Zoopla or from local agents can still help. Ask neighbours or a local renters' union.

Frequently asked questions