9:01 AM, 9th July 2026, 8 hours 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”.