Can a tenant challenge a rent increase in the UK?

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants have the right to challenge any Section 13 rent increase by referring it to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the proposed effective date. The tribunal will assess the open market rent for the property, what a willing landlord would accept from a willing tenant, and set that as the new rent. Crucially, the tribunal is not limited to choosing between the old and new rent. It can set a rent lower than the proposed figure or, in rare cases, lower than the current rent if the evidence supports it. If a tenant makes a referral, the old rent continues until the tribunal issues its determination. Landlords should therefore have local comparable evidence ready before serving Form 4A, as this will be the primary basis for any tribunal assessment.