On May 1, the UK’s Renters' Rights Act came into force, limiting landlords to a sinle annual increase and banning hikes in the first year of a tenncy. In response, a coalition of tenants' unions has rolled out the “Resist Rent Rises” campaign, complete with a website and a free tool that helps renters take disputes to the first‑tier rent tribunal.

New law caps rent hikes to one increase per year after a two‑month notice

The Renters' Rights Act requires landlords to give a written two‑month notice using Form 4A, and the increase must reflect local market rates. As the source reports, tenants can now challenge any increase—or even a static rent—within six months of moving in, a provision that was previously unavailable.

Only 557 market‑rent decisions published in 2024, showing low tribunal use

Campaign organisers note that rent tribunals are under‑utilised, citing just 557 published market‑rent decisions so far this year. by encouraging more challenges, the coalition hopes to create a body of precedent that pressures landlords to keep rents realistic.

Free online tool lets renetrs share rent data and calculate potential savings

The campaign’s website invites tenants to input their current rent, even if no increase has been proposed. According to the sourcce, the tool estimates savings by delaying payment while a tribunal case is heard—e.g., a £100‑per‑month rise could be postponed for two months, saving roughly £200 minus a £47 filing fee.

Landlord platform founder warns of “nightmare” Section 13 reviews

Ashley Osborne, founder of buy‑to‑let platform Lexit, told the source that the new Act will turn Section 13 rent reviews into a “nightmare for landlords,” predicting frequent delays and tribunal challenges that could erode profit margins in a weak economy.

Who will actually bring cases to tribunal? Tenants unions and data gaps

While the campaign urges all renters to file challenges, the source does not specify how many tenants have already signed up or how many cases are pending. it also remains unclear whether the £47 fee applies universally or only to certain claimants, leaving a key uncertainty for potential challengers.