Rent Tribunals

In England, the First-tier Tribunal – Property Chamber (Residential Property) is an independent service that can decide many Rent and Leasehold disputes. It has been given powers by legislation to settle disputes that would otherwise have to be dealt with by the courts, providing an easier and cheaper access to justice. There are five regional offices which provide an independent, fair and accessible tribunal service in England for settling disputes involving private rented and leasehold property, they do not have powers to become involved with commercial property.

(This was formerly the Residential Property Tribunal Service)

In Wales, the Residential Property Tribunal (formerly known as the Rent Assessment Panel for Wales) is an independent statutory body set up under the Housing Act 2004. The Tribunal’s main responsibilities are to set up Rent Assessment Committees and Rent Tribunals to consider appeals over rent levels and to fix an appropriate rent where there are disputes between landlords and contract-holders in the Private Rented Sector. The Tribunal also sets up Leasehold Valuation Tribunals to settle certain disputes between leaseholders and freeholders. In addition it hears cases on Empty, interim and final dwelling management orders, Licensing of houses in multiple occupation and selective licensing of other residential property, Housing, health and safety rating system, Park homes and Local authority gypsy and traveller sites.