Form MR1: Challenge a Rent Increase at the Tribunal

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MR1 is published free by HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Download it from the official page, then use the walkthrough on this page to complete it.

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Quick answer: If your landlord raised the rent on an assured or assured shorthold tenancy using a Section 13 notice, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) on Form MR1 before the new rent starts — and the tribunal sets the open-market rent, which can be lower (or no higher).

A statutory rent-increase notice isn’t the final word. You can ask an independent tribunal to decide what the market rent really is.

What is it?

An application on Form MR1 to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property) to determine the market rent after a landlord’s statutory rent-increase notice on a periodic assured/assured shorthold tenancy.

Who needs it & when

Tenants who’ve received a valid Section 13 rent-increase notice and believe the proposed rent is above the open-market level.

Deadlines & key rules

You must refer the notice to the tribunal before the date the new rent is due to start.
The tribunal determines the market rent for comparable lettings — it can confirm, reduce, but generally not exceed the proposed figure.
Bring evidence of comparable local rents and the property’s condition.

How to do it — step by step

Check the increase notice is valid and note the start date.
Complete Form MR1 (the open market rent determination application) before that date.
Gather comparable-rent evidence and note any disrepair affecting value.
Submit to the First-tier Tribunal and prepare for a paper decision or hearing.

How Chris helps

Tell Chris about the increase and the property and Chris drafts your tribunal referral and case to a high, professional standard — you check, sign and submit. Not a law firm.

See it done — a rent-tribunal referral, drafted in minutes

A referral of a rent-increase notice to the First-tier Tribunal, drafted to a high, professional standard — Chris builds it from your facts in minutes. Scroll the sample below.

DRAFTED BY CHRIS · sampleSCROLL ↓

APPLICATION TO THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL (PROPERTY CHAMBER)

Referral of a notice proposing a new rent

Tenant: Laura Hughes · Property: Flat 3, 19 Oak Street, Sampletown

1. On 1 May 2026 my landlord served a notice proposing to increase the rent from £950 to £1,300 per month from 1 July 2026.

2. I refer the notice to the Tribunal before the proposed start date and ask it to determine the open-market rent.

3. The proposed rent exceeds the market level for comparable two-bedroom flats locally, which let at £950–£1,050. Comparable evidence is attached.

4. The property also has outstanding disrepair (damp to the rear bedroom) affecting its rental value.

Illustrative sample with fictional names and details. Chris drafts yours from your own facts; you check, sign and submit.

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Last reviewed: June 2026 · England & Wales · CIC No. 16566612 — not a law firm.

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