Do most tenants who challenge a rent increase win?

In one analysis of 667 tribunal decisions made since 1 May 2026, by the landlord-run site Landlord Sums, the rent was set below the landlord's proposal in 70% of cases. That covers only rises tenants challenged that reached a decision, and in about three cases in ten the landlord's figure was not cut. Your result depends on the evidence for your home.

Can the tribunal increase my rent by more than my landlord asked?

Not for a notice given on or after 1 May 2026. The tribunal can set the same rent the landlord proposed or a lower one, but not a higher one.

How long do I have to challenge a rent increase?

Your application must reach the tribunal before the date the new rent is due to start, as given in the landlord's notice. The notice must give at least two months' warning. Apply as early as you can and send evidence afterwards if you need to.

How much does it cost to challenge a rent increase?

The tribunal fee is £47. There is no fee if the notice is dated before 1 May 2026 or you are a social tenant, and you can apply for help with fees if you are on certain benefits or a low income.

Do I pay the new rent while the tribunal decides?

Keep paying your current rent in full while the challenge is open. For notices from 1 May 2026, any new rent the tribunal sets is not backdated to the landlord's proposed start date. Shelter says it normally starts from the next rent period after the decision.

Can I challenge a rent increase because I cannot afford it?

Affordability is not part of the test. The tribunal decides what your home would let for on the open market. You can ask it to postpone when the new rent becomes payable if it would cause hardship, but that does not change the figure.

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Tribunals Have Cut Most Challenged Rent Rises Since May. Here Is How to Challenge Yours

An analysis of 667 tribunal decisions since 1 May 2026 found 70% of challenged rent rises were cut. What the figures show, how the tribun…