Disputing a proposed rent rise left a London tenant paying £210 ($283) less per month. The increase he had challenged was £17.92 ($24.16) a month.
Here's what to know
The first-tier tribunal set the monthly rent at £2,350 ($3168.40), down from £2,560 ($3451.53), in its August ruling, according to Novara Media. Davide Martinelli, a tenant of London-based buy-to-let company Get Living, had brought the case. The reduction amounts to £2,520 in savings over a full year.
The tribunal also found that Martinelli's rent already exceeded market value before the increase. His contract had tied future rises to inflation through a rent review clause, but the tribunal noted that the Renters' Rights Act had made such clauses invalid.
Novara Media reported that this was the eighth ruling cutting a landlord's rent following a requested increase since the act took effect in May. Across those cases, monthly rent cuts averaged £58, based on figures from industry advisory firm LonRes cited by Novara Media.
More background
For the landlord of a two-bedroom Manchester flat, a September ruling likewise meant they had to reduce rent by £200 each month, Novara Media reported. The landlord had been seeking a £50 monthly increase.
Qi Cao, the landlord, had asked for an in-person hearing and a visit to inspect the property before the ruling. A legal officer turned down both requests, calling them disproportionate.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
The National Residential Landlords Association urged its members to exercise caution before proposing rent increases in light of the new rights.
"We are now reminding you how vital it is to do your due diligence before proposing increased rents," the group said.
What's being done?
The Renters' Rights Act prohibits fixed-term contracts and no-fault evictions, according to Novara Media. It also makes it harder for landlords to start bidding wars with prospective tenants and makes it easier for tenants to challenge rent increases.
The Manchester decision drew a response on X from housing minister Matthew Pennycook: "We're standing up for renters, and our reforms are working."
Restrictions on bidding wars didn't stop landlords from inflating asking rents to get around them, according to Novara Media's account of London Centric's August reporting.
"Tenants can and will challenge proposals at tribunal, even for relatively small amounts," the group added.
Outside of rent increases, landlords have also prevented renters from adopting money-saving practices, such as growing their own food or hanging clotheslines to dry laundry. Renters or those living in HOAs can speak to landlords and board members to change those rules for the benefit of the whole community.
Where can I learn more?
Rent disputes and complaints about landlords occur all around the world.
• New York retirees said their 15% rent cut never arrived despite a state ruling.
• A London tenant said his landlord boarded him inside after debris fell from the ceiling.
• King Charles stripped a London landlord of his OBE after a £300,000 slum housing fine.
• In Los Angeles County, fixing aging affordable apartments could mean higher rents for tenants.
• San Diego tenants formed a council and won after utility bills jumped from $60 to $289.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
