England’s rent tribunals approved steep increases despite tenant protections

Rent increases of up to 88% were approved by tribunals in England after the Renters’ Rights Act took effect in May 2026, the Guardian reported on 3 November. London Renters Union’s analysis of May-to-October decisions found that 80% of tenants challenging increases still faced higher rents, averaging an additional £1,200 annually, although most increases were below landlords’ requests.

The analysis said landlords’ proposals were approved in full in 36% of cases, reduced in 42% and cancelled in 16%; rents were lowered in 6%. Tenant and landlord representatives reported hearing delays and inconsistent assessments of market rents. The government defended the changes, pointing to decisions that reduced rents or prevented increases.

The reforms removed two risks of challenging an increase: tribunals could no longer set rent above the landlord’s request or backdate increases to before their decision. But assessments still relied on market rents. Generation Rent argued that this benchmark did not resolve affordability problems where tenants already struggled with local prices.