First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
The specialist tribunal handling residential property disputes in England, including rent increase challenges, rent repayment orders, licensing appeals, and leasehold disputes.
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), usually shortened to FTT, decides most residential property disputes in England that fall short of full court proceedings. For landlords, four types of case matter most.
Rent increase challenges
Tenants can refer a Section 13 rent increase to the FTT before it takes effect. Since May 2026 the tribunal can confirm or reduce the proposed rent but cannot set it higher, and the new rent runs from the decision date rather than being backdated. Market evidence for comparable properties decides these cases.
Rent repayment orders
Tenants apply to the FTT to reclaim up to 24 months' rent where a landlord committed a qualifying offence such as operating an unlicensed HMO.
Licensing appeals
Landlords can appeal council decisions about HMO and selective licences, licence conditions, and civil penalty notices.
Leasehold disputes
Service charge reasonableness, lease extension terms, and right to manage applications all run through the FTT, which matters for landlords holding leasehold flats.
Tribunal proceedings are less formal than court and parties commonly represent themselves, but preparation still wins: organised evidence beats improvisation in almost every list.