If you’re challenging a rent increase in the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, there is now a £47 application fee. There is no hearing fee for rent increase cases. If you cannot afford the fee, you may be able to have it reduced or waived entirely through the Help with Fees scheme.
How Much Does It Cost to Challenge a Rent Increase?
Since the introduction of the new tribunal fee framework, tenants challenging a proposed rent increase must pay:
- Application fee: £47
- Hearing fee: £0
The £47 fee is one of the lowest tribunal fees because the Government recognised that tenants should not be prevented from challenging unfair rent increases due to cost.
Can you waive the £47 Tribunal Fee?
Yes.
If you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for Help with Fees, which can:
- Waive the £47 fee completely.
- Reduce the amount you need to pay.
- Allow you to submit your tribunal application without paying the full fee upfront.
The scheme is designed to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent people from accessing the tribunal. (Parliament Questions Statements)
Who Can Get Help with Fees?
Whether you qualify depends on your financial circumstances.
You may be eligible if you:
- Receive certain means-tested benefits.
- Have a low monthly income.
- Have limited savings or capital.
- Meet the income thresholds set by HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
Your eligibility is assessed using your income, savings and household circumstances.
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver
Applying is straightforward.
Step 1: Complete a Help with Fees application
You’ll need to provide information about:
- Your income.
- Any benefits you receive.
- Your savings.
- Your household circumstances.
Step 2: Receive a Help with Fees reference
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a reference number confirming your fee remission.
Step 3: Include the reference with your tribunal application
When submitting your rent increase challenge, include your Help with Fees reference instead of paying the application fee.
Do I Need to Wait for the Fee Waiver Before Applying?
No.
You should apply for Help with Fees as soon as possible because there are strict time limits for referring a rent increase to the tribunal.
Once you have your Help with Fees reference, include it with your tribunal application.
What If My Fee Waiver Is Refused?
If your application is refused:
- You may still be able to challenge the decision if you believe it is incorrect.
- Alternatively, you can pay the £47 application fee and continue with your tribunal application before the deadline expires.
Missing the tribunal deadline could mean losing your right to challenge the proposed rent increase.
Does Every Tenant Have to Pay the £47 Fee?
No.
If your Help with Fees application is approved, the fee may be:
- Reduced, or
- Waived entirely.
Many tenants who receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits may be eligible, although entitlement depends on the full eligibility criteria rather than the benefit alone. (GOV.UK)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hearing fee for a rent increase tribunal?
No. Rent increase cases only require a £47 application fee. There is no separate hearing fee. (GOV.UK)
Can I challenge a rent increase if I can’t afford the fee?
Yes. You can apply through the Help with Fees scheme to have the application fee reduced or waived. (Parliament Questions Statements)
Does receiving Universal Credit automatically mean I don’t pay?
Not automatically. Universal Credit is one factor, but eligibility depends on the Help with Fees rules, including your income and financial circumstances.
Will the tribunal reject my application if I don’t pay?
If you neither pay the fee nor obtain a valid Help with Fees reference, your application may not proceed. It’s important to deal with the fee requirement before the tribunal deadline expires. (GOV.UK)
Final Thoughts
The £47 tribunal fee is intended to be affordable, and the Help with Fees scheme exists to ensure that tenants are not prevented from challenging an unfair rent increase because of financial hardship. If cost is a concern, check your eligibility for a fee waiver before submitting your tribunal application.