New tribunal rules could delay rent increases for landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces reforms allowing tenants to challenge any proposed rent increase at the First-Tier Tribunal (FTT). While intended to protect tenants, these changes may inadvertently cause delays in rent adjustments and create operational difficulties for landlords across the UK.

Under the new system, the tribunal cannot set a rent higher than the landlord’s proposed increase, even if the market rent is higher. Additionally, the tribunal has the power to delay rent increases by up to two months in cases where tenants face hardship. This means landlords may face postponed rent rises even when challenges are unsuccessful.

Landlords face uncertainty and delayed payments

The Times reports that any rent increase upheld by the tribunal will only take effect from the date of the tribunal’s decision, not from when the landlord initially served notice. This procedural change means that landlords could experience significant delays in receiving higher rent payments, leaving them in a state of financial 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 create “an incentive for tenants to apply to the FTT in respect of every increase in order to delay its implementation”.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), expressed concerns to The Times about the tribunal’s capacity, stating: “With just 34 judges sitting on it, the tribunal is unlikely to cope with such an influx of cases once the act comes into force.” He criticised the lack of detailed planning to ensure the reforms work effectively in practice.

Tribunal and court capacity under strain

The NRLA has formally raised concerns with the Justice Select Committee, warning that the Renters’ Rights Act could overwhelm court capacity. Landlords are already experiencing delays, waiting weeks for court hearings to regain possession of their properties.

In a letter to the committee, the NRLA highlighted the government’s statement during the Renters’ Rights Act Report Stage that “Court readiness is essential to the successful operation of the new system”. The NRLA agreed with this but noted that the government has not clarified what “court readiness” entails or how the planned digitisation of possession cases will be measured for success.

These concerns underline the risk that without adequate resources and clear operational plans, the tribunal and courts may struggle to handle the expected increase in cases, prolonging delays for landlords seeking rent adjustments or possession.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should prepare for potential delays in implementing rent increases due to tenant challenges at the tribunal. The possibility of postponed rent rises and extended court proceedings may impact cash flow and property management strategies.

It is advisable for landlords and letting agents to monitor tribunal capacity and government updates closely, and to seek legal advice when navigating rent increase disputes under the new legislation.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Renters’ Rights Act
• First-Tier Tribunal
• rent increase challenges
• tribunal capacity
• court backlog
• National Residential Landlords Association
• possession hearings
• rent payment delays
• housing law reforms
• landlord legal advice

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/