Consideration of Your Application – Written Representations or a Hearing?

Written Representations

If you do not ask for a hearing you can make “written representations” – that is to say comments in writing giving your views on the tenancy terms and/or the rent. The Committee Clerk will send a copy of your representations to the other party. If the other party does not ask for a hearing, they will then be given the same chance to comment on any written representations the other has made.

Written Representations

If you do not ask for a hearing you can make “written representations” – that is to say comments in writing giving your views on the tenancy terms and/or the rent. The Committee Clerk will send a copy of your representations to the other party. If the other party does not ask for a hearing, they will then be given the same chance to comment on any written representations the other has made. When the Committee are satisfied that you and the other party have had the chance to answer the points made by each other they will meet to decide the appropriate tenancy terms and/or rent. They will do this on the basis of the written representations. If you make written representations, but if the other party to the tenancy asks for a hearing, one will be arranged and you will be told so that you can attend if you wish. The representations will still be copied to the other party and they will be able to comment on them at the hearing.

A Hearing

Private Rented Housing Panel hearings are open to the public. If you do not wish to present your case yourself you can ask somebody to speak for you. This can be anybody you wish and need not be an expert or a professional.

The Chairman of the Committee is in charge of the hearing, and he and the other Committee members will wish to make sure that they understand both sides of the case. The Chairman will tell you or your representative when you can address the Committee. Do not be afraid to do this or to ask him for guidance. On the other hand, do not think your case will suffer if you ask no questions. The Committee will have all the papers about the case in front of them, but they may ask questions to help them understand the facts and the arguments on both sides.

Each party will have the right to question the other, and you should answer any questions as fairly and honestly as you can. The Chairman will protect you from any unfair questioning. When you are asked to speak, give your views on the level of rent and on tenancy terms. Make a note of the points you want to mention to the Committee so you do not forget anything important.