Can my landlord evict me for applying to tribunal?

A landlord cannot lawfully evict you simply because you exercised the right to challenge. Section 21 no-fault eviction has ended, but landlords can still seek possession on statutory grounds.

What if I can't afford the tribunal's figure when it comes through?

You can ask the tribunal to postpone the payment date on hardship grounds. Give full details of your finances and explain why paying from the proposed date would cause hardship.

Does the protection apply if I challenged the notice validity, not the amount?

The tribunal will decide whether the notice is valid and, where applicable, determine the open-market rent. Its written decision will state when any new rent begins.

What Do I Pay While Waiting for the Rent Tribunal?

If the tribunal decides after the proposed start date, any new rent will usually begin on the next payment date after its decision. The written decision will state the rent and its start date.

The rule works like this.

Why This Changed

Under the old rules, a tribunal decision could leave a tenant owing the difference from the date in the landlord’s notice.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changed the start-date rules. Current HMCTS guidance says that if the decision comes after the proposed start date, any new rent will usually start on the next payment date after the decision.

Always follow the date in the tribunal’s written decision.

What happens at each outcome

The tribunal reduces the rent

If the tribunal finds the open-market rent is lower than your landlord proposed, it sets the lower figure and tells you when it begins.

The tribunal confirms the proposed rent

If the tribunal finds the open-market rent matches or exceeds what your landlord proposed, the proposed figure can stand. The written decision states when it becomes payable.

You withdraw your application

You need the tribunal’s consent to withdraw before the market rent is set. Tell the landlord as well and check what rent applies after withdrawal rather than assuming the pending-case timing will continue.

Hardship deferral

If paying the new rent from the proposed date would cause hardship, ask the tribunal to postpone the payment date. Give full details of your financial circumstances and explain the hardship in your application.

The test is “undue hardship,” not inconvenience. If a significant rent increase landing all at once would put you in genuine financial difficulty, this protection exists.

The old advice is now outdated

If you search for what to pay during a tribunal case, you may still find guidance based on the rules before 1 May 2026. Use current HMCTS guidance and the start date in your own written decision.

For the next step, read the tribunal process guide or ask us for free help before the notice deadline passes.