Rent Increases and First Tier Tribunal Representation

Tenants are increasingly challenging rent increases since the Renters Rights Act.

We can help with drafting your rent increase notice to ensure its valid and navigating the Tribunal appeal process if the increase is challenged.

Ensuring landlords collate and present their evidence of market rent ‘achieved’ ( not advertised ) to stand scrutiny before a tribunal is crucial and responding to challenges, appeals and paperwork that is involved in the process.

The best kept ‘secret’ advice for landlords, is to “keep good records”. This has been a beneficial factor in many of the varied work we’ve helped landlords on. If a telephone conversation takes place, summarise it by email asking for confirmation. ( whether with tenant or other organisations such as the Council )

Have photographs of the property and any works carried out. Be aware of neighbouring facilities that may have opened up prior, or since commencement of the tenancy. Proximity to transport, shops, local facilities.

How does the property compare to its surroundings. The sort of information you might consider if you were advertising the property for sale. Is the property Unfurnished?

If a landlord were to provide furnishings, aside from the liability to replace when defective, their age / deterioration will be seized upon and commented by the tenant to defend against an increase or the extent of such.

This can be a ‘double-edged sword’ Providing white goods, furniture can increase the rental value. However, on a recent case we’re dealing with, the long-term tenant refers the tribunal to works they have carried out and furniture supplied by them.

We can elaborate on factors to consider on individual rent increases on a case by case basis. In addition, we represent landlords at a tribunal hearing.

There are numerous provisions for tenants to seek without cost assistance with rent increase challenges. There are two reasons why landlords should make every endeavour to succeed in a rent increase.

Aside from the obvious financial benefit, a further rent increase cannot be submitted until 12 months after a Tribunal’s determination.
We also represent landlords in Rent Repayment applications, Fixed Penalties and Improvement Notices.