Do I pay the new rent while the tribunal decides?

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

You've applied to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to challenge a rent increase, and the start date on your landlord's notice is coming up. Which rent do you pay? For most private tenants in England with a notice served on or after 1 May 2026, the answer is: keep paying your current rent until the tribunal decides.

Notices served on or after 1 May 2026

• The new rent waits for the decision. Shelter says the new rent normally starts from the next rent period after the tribunal sets the rent. GOV.UK adds that if the tribunal decides before the start date in the notice, the new rent usually starts from that date.
• It can't go up more than proposed. The tribunal can't set a rent higher than your landlord proposed. It could be the same or lower.
• If the notice is invalid, GOV.UK says the tribunal won't set a rent and you don't need to pay the new proposed rent.

The tribunal sends you and your landlord a written decision that says what the rent is and when it starts.

Don't stop paying your current rent

Applying to the tribunal doesn't pause your rent. Keep paying your current rent in full and on time, the same way you always have. If you stop or pay less, you could fall into rent arrears, which is a separate problem from the rent challenge. Keep records of every payment.

If you haven't applied yet, our free checker gives you a verdict on the notice and your deadline. The £9.99 Dispute Kit gives you the full findings for your notice and a letter to your landlord filled in with your dates. It is self-help information, not legal advice.

Exceptions: when the old rules apply

• Notices given before 1 May 2026. Shelter says the tribunal could set a rent higher than your landlord asked for, and the new rent normally starts from the date in the notice. It suggests not spending the extra money your landlord has asked for, in case your rent goes up.
• Eviction notices before 1 May 2026. If you got a section 8 or section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, the GOV.UK information sheet says the new rules may not apply to your tenancy yet. Get advice.
• Hardship. GOV.UK says that if paying the new rent from the proposed date would cause you hardship, you can ask the tribunal to consider this. You must give full details of your finances in your application and explain why.

Universal Credit and Housing Benefit

If you get help with your rent, report the change when your rent actually goes up - for example once an agreed rent or a tribunal decision takes effect.

• Universal Credit: GOV.UK says to report changes, including your rent going up or down, as soon as they happen, through your Universal Credit account.
• Housing Benefit: GOV.UK says to report a change in your rent to your council straight away.

If you're not sure when to report, ask your work coach or your council.

For the full process, see how to apply to the tribunal yourself, step by step, and how to find comparable rents.

Frequently asked questions