Landlords struggled to secure rent rises in September, research claims
Summary
Research based on 74 First-tier Tribunal rent decisions in England suggests landlords secured their full proposed rent increase in just over a quarter of cases in September, with most cases resulting in a smaller increase, no change, or a reduction. Across the cases where rent changed, the aggregate monthly rent still rose, and the average decision took around 91 days from notice to tribunal outcome.
Why it matters
This is relevant to residential property surveyors because tribunal outcomes and rent evidence can influence valuation assumptions, rental comparables and advice in the private rented sector. It also highlights the practical impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on rent challenge behaviour and timing.
Key points
- Only 21 of 74 tribunal cases resulted in the landlord's proposed rent increase being granted in full.
- Most cases ended with a partial increase, no increase, a reduction or a rejected/struck-out outcome.
- Across cases with a rent change, the combined monthly rent increased by 6.7%.
- The tracker found an average of around 91 days between rent notice and tribunal decision.
- The article links the trend to tenants having greater powers to appeal rent changes under the Renters’ Rights Act.
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