Private renting
Rent disputes
You can dispute your rent if:
- you think it is above the open market rate
- your landlord does not follow the correct process to increase it
There are different ways to:
- solve rent disputes if you have an assured periodic tenancy
- solve rent disputes in Scotland
- solve rent disputes in Wales
- solve rent disputes in Northern Ireland
If you have a regulated tenancy
Contact the Valuation Office Agency.
If a rent officer has set your rent before, the only way to increase it is to have a rent officer set a new rent. If a rent officer has not set your rent before, they can set a rent limit. The landlord cannot charge more.
You can appeal against a rent officer’s decision. They may pass your case to a tribunal, which can make a final decision on the rent.
If you think your rent is high when you start a tenancy
You may be able to apply to a tribunal if you think your rent is above the rent for similar properties in the area. Contact Citizens Advice for advice.
You must apply within 6 months of your tenancy starting.