Courts not ready for Renters’ Rights Act claim Peers
4 months ago | 3 comments
Government defends court readiness amid warnings over Renters’ Rights Act strain
9:01 AM, 9th July 2026, 3 days ago
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The government claim the justice system “is well prepared” to handle the Renters’ Rights Act.
In answer to a written parliamentary question, housing minister Matthew Pennycook claims the government is providing funding to the courts.
As previously reported by Property118, industry experts have warned that the act could overwhelm the court system.
Justice system will be supported
Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly asked the government: “What metrics will be used to determine court readiness for the Renters’ Rights Act?”
Mr Pennycook said: “My Department has worked closely with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) to ensure that the justice system is well prepared for the ongoing implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, including the potential impact of the Act on the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
“This work included ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for monitoring data relating to rent increase challenges in the Residential Property Tribunal.
“The justice system will be supported with appropriate funding to ensure that the courts and tribunals have the resources and capacity they need to handle the workload that implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act will generate.”
Overwhelm the court system
However, as previously reported by Property118, tenants challenging rent increases could overwhelm the court system.
An article in The Times explains under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants will be able to challenge any proposed rent increase at the First-Tier Tribunal (FTT).
The Times reports that any rent increase upheld by the tribunal would take effect only from the date of its decision, rather than when the landlord first served notice. This means that even unsuccessful challenges could delay higher rent payments for months, leaving landlords in limbo.
Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and head of civil justice in England and Wales, warned the Housing Law Practitioners’ Association that the rules under the Renters’ Rights Act could create “an incentive for tenants to apply to the FTT in respect of every increase in order to delay its implementation”.
Tags:
court capacity, court system, Matthew Pennycook, Ministry of Justice, rent increases, Renters’ Rights Act
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Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 49
1:30 PM, 9th July 2026, About 3 days ago
The court system is SO not ready.
I had an eviction scheduled for 23 June and… the bailiffs didn’t turn up, meaning the occupant is still in place! The only way to contact them is via email and so far they haven’t responded to any of the emails sent.
It doesn’t take a seer to predict that it’ll only get worse.
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 83
4:25 PM, 9th July 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by yl2006 at 13:30
Did you apply to court (form N325) and pay £130 to appoint the Bailiffs? Did you get notification that Bailiff was coming on that date? Did you confirm it with them? (If I recall I think you have to send a tear off slip somewhere) Very unlike Bailiff to not turn up if all booked in.
High Court system may be different, I’ve never used that.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 144
9:19 AM, 10th July 2026, About 2 days ago
We all know that this is a form of rent control and the governments position is the child with the chocolate covered mouth protesting innocence of chocolate theft. The fact they think we are as stupid as Westminster lackeys is insulting.
It’s very easy to establish a metric of readyness if they are that confident. One calendar month to make a decision or penalties awarded to the landlord. That sounds like the level playing field that we hear so much about…
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 498
11:12 AM, 10th July 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Jack Jennings at 10/07/2026 – 09:19
I fail to understand why after what Labour has introduced, not just attacks on landlords, people still hesitate to vote for Reform and would rather have the Lib Dems who are Labour in another coat.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 187
7:18 PM, 10th July 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 09/07/2026 – 11:26
In preparation we have issued Rent Review letters for the last two years.
We evidence the ‘requieement’ for annual reviews that is contained within RRB now RRA.
It got a couple of grumbles but ghey are now settled.
Also new APTs come eith a cover letter -signed for as a T will signAnything at the start explaining the same and hsong eorked examples of how ‘annual works’.
As LLs we need to embrace thd RRA,
Particularly thd motocross period which averages 2.5 months.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 187
7:25 PM, 10th July 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 09/07/2026 – 12:01
Mate.
I believe you are missing a point.
Whilst the courts ‘may’ set case law later.
The year and it can be 53 weeks is just that.
Ts claim and it’s hearing/ determination date has No effect.
I’ve posted above about sending Annual Rent Review Letrrs.
Just make sure you get annual right as it’s not as simple as calender year in all instances.
Hope this helps.
Also the renterscrighfs Brigade have put an app out which tells you what us worth challenging.
A link to that appears to work.