How do I challenge a rent increase I think is unfair?

You apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the new rent takes effect. It's free and you don't need a lawyer. This is your legal right under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

The tribunal will look at comparable rents for similar properties in your area — if your proposed increase is above the going market rate, they can reduce it or reject it. You apply by filling in a form on GOV.UK (search "challenge rent increase tribunal"). There is a small application fee of £27 for most cases.

Critically, challenging a rent increase cannot be used against you. Your landlord cannot evict you for taking them to the tribunal — that would be retaliatory eviction, which is unlawful. You can also keep paying your current rent while the challenge is being heard, without it counting as arrears.

You must apply to the tribunal before the new rent date stated on the Form 4A notice. Once the new rent period starts without a challenge, the increase takes effect.

Act quickly: the moment you receive a rent increase notice on Form 4A, check the date it takes effect. You have from the date of the notice until that effective date to file your challenge. Search GOV.UK for "First-tier Tribunal rent increase challenge" to start the process.