What does the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) decide?
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the specialist tribunal that decides many residential property disputes in England, including challenges to rent increases, appeals against licensing decisions and civil penalties, rent repayment orders, and leasehold disputes over service charges and lease extensions.
Read more in our guide: Selling a portfolio with tenants
Common Cases Involving Landlords
| Type of case | Typical applicant |
|---|---|
| Rent increase challenges under Section 13 | Tenant |
| Rent repayment orders | Tenant or council |
| Appeals against civil penalties | Landlord |
| Appeals against HMO or selective licensing decisions and improvement notices | Landlord |
| Service charge and administration charge disputes | Leaseholder or landlord |
| Lease extension and freehold purchase valuations | Leaseholder or freeholder |
How the Tribunal Works
The tribunal is less formal than a court. Cases are often decided on paper or at a short hearing before a panel that may include a judge, a surveyor and a lay member. Fees are modest and each side usually pays its own costs, although costs can be awarded for unreasonable conduct. Possession claims are not decided here; they go to the county court. Appeals go to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).
More Cases Under the Renters' Rights Act
With rent increases now limited to the Section 13 route and wider rent repayment orders, more landlords will appear before the tribunal. Good records of rents, notices, licences and repairs make outcomes more predictable.
Tribunal Cases and Selling
Ongoing tribunal cases should be disclosed to buyers. A pending rent challenge affects the rent a buyer can rely on, and a pending penalty appeal or RRO claim may need an indemnity or retention. For leasehold flats, service charge disputes can delay the management pack needed for conveyancing.
Official Sources and Further Reading
General information for landlords in England, checked against official sources in October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice: speak to a qualified accountant or solicitor about your own circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the specialist tribunal that decides many residential property disputes in England, including challenges to rent increases, appeals against licensing decisions and civil penalties, rent repayment orders, and leasehold disputes over service charges and lease extensions.
Yes. Tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to decide the market rent after receiving a Section 13 notice.
No. Possession claims are decided by the county court, not the tribunal.
Yes. Landlords can appeal civil penalties and many licensing decisions to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
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