The government has confirmed a new £47 fee for tenants who wish to challenge a rent increase through the First-Tier Property Tribunal, saying the measure is designed to “ensure justice is protected for all.” Justice Minister Sarah Sackman has outlined legislation to introduce this new fees framework for the Property Chamber, while making it clear that no hearing fee will be charged. This positions the tribunal fee among the lowest across His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), while still providing a sustainable structure for the tribunal system.
The announcement follows concerns from tenant groups over the costs of accessing rent tribunals. Labour MP Kerry McCarthy had asked the Ministry of Justice about the potential impact of extending tribunal fees to cover challenges to rent increases under Section 13 of the Renters’ Rights Act. Sackman responded that tenants would pay a flat £47 for applications to appeal a rent increase, with hearing costs waived entirely. She emphasised that the fees are under continuous review to ensure that the Property Chamber can operate efficiently and fairly, while protecting access to justice for all tenants.
For tenants unable to pay, the Help with Fees scheme remains available, offering financial support to ensure tribunal access is not restricted. In 2024/25, the scheme remitted £91 million in fees to maintain fairness and accessibility for those who could not afford to cover tribunal costs. Despite the new framework, the changes still require Parliamentary approval before coming into effect.
The Renters’ Rights Act also affects landlords, creating new challenges alongside tenant protections. Any rent increase upheld by the tribunal will take effect only from the date of the decision, rather than the date when notice was initially served. This means that even unsuccessful challenges can delay higher rent payments for several months, leaving landlords in a state of uncertainty. Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and head of civil justice in England and Wales, warned the Housing Law Practitioners’ Association that the new rules could incentivise tenants to apply to the First-Tier Tribunal for every rent increase, further delaying implementation.
The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing debate over balancing tenant rights with the operational realities faced by landlords. While the new fees framework is intended to make the Property Chamber financially sustainable, critics argue that it may encourage additional disputes and place further strain on landlords. Meanwhile, tenants are protected from excessive costs, ensuring that challenges to rent increases remain affordable.
The government has stated that its goal is to maintain a fair and accessible tribunal system that works for both tenants and landlords. By introducing a nominal fee and eliminating hearing costs, the framework seeks to deter frivolous applications while enabling genuine disputes to be resolved efficiently. Support measures like the Help with Fees scheme are designed to ensure that low-income tenants are not excluded from accessing justice.
For landlords, the changes reinforce the need for clear communication and careful management of rent adjustments. Delays in rent increases due to tribunal challenges can impact cash flow, particularly for those managing multiple properties. Experts recommend that landlords keep thorough records and remain aware of the potential for tenants to submit appeals, particularly as the Renters’ Rights Act continues to reshape the rental landscape.
Tenants, on the other hand, now have a clearer route to challenge rent increases without facing prohibitive costs. The £47 application fee, coupled with the absence of a hearing charge, represents a significant step towards maintaining affordable access to justice, while encouraging tenants to raise legitimate concerns.
Overall, the introduction of the Property Chamber fees framework reflects the government’s attempt to balance fairness and efficiency. It acknowledges the rights of tenants to contest rent increases while recognising the operational and financial pressures on landlords. As the Renters’ Rights Act continues to roll out, both sides of the rental market will need to adapt to these new processes and ensure compliance with the updated legal framework.
With the implementation of this framework, tenants gain an affordable mechanism to challenge rent increases, landlords must prepare for potential delays in rent adjustments, and the tribunal system moves towards a sustainable model that safeguards access to justice. This is a crucial development in the UK’s rental sector, marking a key moment in the ongoing effort to balance tenant protections with a functional, fair housing market.
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