Find your rent tribunal — and how to apply
Got a Section 13 notice and ready to challenge it? Enter your postcode — we'll show you the right tribunal, the application form, and your deadline. It's a national tribunal, not a local court, and it can't raise your rent above what the landlord asked.
Enter the property's postcode — we'll work out which tribunal covers it.
How the process works
- You apply. Online (preferred) or by post / email to the Property Chamber regional office covering your area. You'll need a copy of your Section 13 notice.
- The tribunal acknowledges. You'll receive case directions telling you what evidence to send and by when.
- Decision on the papers, or short video hearing. Most rent cases are decided on the papers. If there's a hearing, it's usually a short remote call, typically with a legal chair and a surveyor member.
- Written decision. Usually follows a few weeks later. The new rent is not backdated — it starts from the date in your Section 13 notice only if the decision comes before that date, otherwise from the next payment date after the decision.
Common questions
Do I have to go to a local court?
No. Rent challenges are handled by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), a national tribunal that mostly decides cases on the papers. If there is a hearing, it's usually a short remote video call; in-person hearings are less common.
How much does it cost to apply?
£47 — or nothing in some cases. The fee is waived if your notice is dated before 1 May 2026 or you rent from a social landlord, and the Help with Fees scheme can reduce it to £0 if you have little or no savings. The tribunal does not generally award costs against either side (it can in limited cases, such as unreasonable conduct), so for most tenants the fee is the main cost.
Can the tribunal raise my rent above what my landlord asked?
No, not under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The tribunal can only confirm the landlord's proposed figure or determine a lower rent, so applying can't push the rent above what your landlord proposed.
What's the deadline?
Your application must reach the tribunal before the date the new rent in your Section 13 notice would take effect. Miss that date and the new rent normally takes effect automatically. We suggest submitting at least 4 weeks earlier so you have a buffer for anything missing; if the date is close or has passed, get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice straight away.
What if my property is in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 only covers England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate housing law and separate tribunals. The tool detects this from your postcode and points you to the right tribunal site and free advice service (Shelter Scotland, Shelter Cymru or Housing Rights NI).
Do I need a solicitor?
No. The First-tier Tribunal is designed for people representing themselves, and many tenants do. Shelter and Citizens Advice can give free advice to help you prepare your case.
For the full step-by-step walkthrough of filling Form MR1, see our deep guide.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · RRA 2025 framework · England only