If your landlord has recently raised your rent (Section 13 Notice), you have the right to challenge it if you believe it is unfair or unreasonable.
Renters First streamlines the process of applying to the First-Tier Tribunal to assess whether your rent increase reflects true market value.
Once a challenge is submitted, your rent increase is paused until the tribunal rules, and any increase will not be backdated.
Yes. It is your right to challenge any rent increase that you believe is unfair or unreasonable.
Yes. The rent increase is on hold until the tribunal makes a binding decision.
We charge a flat fee of £29.95 for each submission.
No. Any rent increase determined by the tribunal will take effect from the date of the tribunal's decision, not backdated. This means you will save any increase between the time of your proposed rent increase and the ruling of the tribunal.
As soon as possible. If you want to challenge you're rent increase, you should submit Form 2 as soon as you receive your Section 13 notice.
You need to submit your most recent tenancy and the section 13 notice you received from your landlord.
Yes. You must challenge your rent increase prior to the date stated on your section 13 notice.
No. The tribunal is now limited to deciding whether the proposed rent is fair and reasonable, but cannot raise it above what the landlord initially requested
You apply before the increase takes effect. You must send your application to the tribunal before the date stated on the rent increase notice (such as a Section 13 notice).
The tribunal reviews evidence from both sides
An inspection may take place. The tribunal might visit the property to assess its condition and facilities.
A fair market rent is set. The tribunal decides what rent is reasonable for the property given the local market.
This could be lower than or the same as what the landlord proposed. The Renters Rights Bill does not allow it to be higher than what the landlord proposed
The decision is binding. The new rent applies from the date in the notice and usually can’t be changed for 12 months.
No. It's your right to challenge any rent increase you view as being above market and a landlord cannot evict you for doing so. The Renters Rights Bill has removed the ability for landlords to evict tenats via a section 21 notice, which is also known as a "no fault eviction".
A Section 13 notice is a formal letter your landlord can use to raise the rent on a periodic tenancy in England and Wales.
It must:
Be given in writing using the official government form
Give you two month’s notice
State the proposed new rent and the date it will take effect
Section 13 notices can only be issued once every 12 months.
A periodic tenancy is a rolling rental agreement with no fixed end date.
It continues automatically from one rental period to the next (for example, month to month if you pay monthly) until either the tenant or landlord gives proper notice to end it.
The Renters Rights Bill (2025) changed all new and existing tenancies to a periodic tenancy.
The Renters’ Rights Bill is new legislation that took effect in the fall of 2025 for England aimed at giving tenants more security and flexibility while making the rental system simpler.
Key points in brief:
Ends Section 21 “no-fault” evictions so landlords must have a valid reason to end a tenancy.
Moves all tenancies to periodic agreements (rolling contracts with no fixed end date).
Strengthens rights to keep pets and make reasonable home improvements.
Improves notice periods and sets clearer rules on rent increases.
Introduces a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to handle disputes without going to court.
It’s part of a wider effort to make renting fairer and more stable for tenants.
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is an English court that handles disputes related to property and land, including matters such as rent increases, leasehold disputes, and issues with council house sales.
No. Renters First is only able to support you in completing and submitting your Form 2 to the First-Tier Tribunal.
Check out Citizens Advice or Shelter for further legal advice.
No. Renters First will help you submit your Form 2 to the correct tribunal, but after submission, Renters First will not be involved.
Renters First is dedicated to supporting tenants facing rent increases from their landlords. Our process automation tool streamlines the application process for obtaining a market rent determination from the First-Tier Tribunal for Residential Property, helping you take control of your tenancy. With our user-friendly platform, you can calculate potential rent savings and easily submit your details to begin your application. Join countless renters who have taken the first step towards fairer rents.
