The First-tier Tribunal is beginning to make decisions on post-Renters’ Rights Act Section 13 rent increases. We were surprised at the speed of the following case outcome. Here is a summary of the case.
Date of Section 13 rent increase notice service to tenant – 30 May 2026. Proposed date of rent increase – 20 August 2026. Date of application to First-tier Tribunal by tenant – 01 June 2026. Date of outcome – 17 July 2026. Existing rent £3,102.82 per month, proposed rent £3,180 per month.
Neither party requested an oral hearing. The Tribunal considered the case based on the papers provided by the parties and its own knowledge and specialist expertise.
The tenant proposed a market rent of £3,040 – their evidence relied on advertised rents for similar properties in the same block of flats. The landlord relied on examples of actual rent for similar properties in the same block of flats and the adjoining block of flats in the same development (between April and June 2026).
The Tribunal placed greater weight on the landlord’s evidence as it comprised actual agreed lettings rather than asking rents. The rent proposed by the landlord was below all the comparable rents submitted in support of the application.
The rent was determined at £3,180 to take effect on 20 August 2026.
The case outcome can be read here: Microsoft Word – 2026-07-14 Skylark Point, 1 Portlands Court JW comments
All residential property tribunal decisions can be accessed here: Residential property tribunal decisions – GOV.UK
