The FlatFinder blog

The London rental market, in plain words

Rent data, law changes and area breakdowns, written for the people paying the rent rather than the people collecting it.

Challenge a London Rent Rise: Section 13 and Tribunal

Since 1 May 2026 the First-tier Tribunal cannot set your rent above the figure in your landlord's notice, and the application costs £47. Here is how to check whether a Section 13 notice is valid, what evidence actually persuades a panel, and when a referral is the wrong move.

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Beat a Section 13 Rent Rise: What Tribunals Actually Cut

Since 1 May 2026 the First-tier Tribunal cannot set a rent above the landlord's proposed figure, and 73% of published determinations came in below it. This is what a Section 13 challenge involves: the validity checks, the deadline, the £47 fee, the evidence panels actually credit, and when not to bother.

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Damp and Mould in London Lets: How to Force a Repair

Awaab's Law does not yet apply to private tenancies in England, and no start date has been set. Here is the escalation chain that does work in London this month, from the first email to a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.

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Section 13 Rent Rises: How London Tenants Win at Tribunal

Since 1 May 2026 the First-tier Tribunal cannot set a rent above the figure the landlord asked for, and nothing is backdated while a case is pending. This is what to check on a Section 13 notice, how to meet the Rents 1 deadline, and which borough data actually persuades a surveyor member.

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Fixed Terms Are Gone: Time Your London Move for Less

Since 1 May 2026 every assured shorthold tenancy in England is periodic, so there is no minimum term and no fixed-term renewal to sign. Here is how to count a two-month notice back from your rent due date and land a move in the quietest weeks of London's letting year.

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Challenge a London Rent Rise for £47: Form 4A, Step by Step

Since 1 May 2026 the First-tier Tribunal can only confirm or reduce the rent on a Section 13 notice, and the application fee is £47 with no hearing fee. This is a step-by-step guide to checking the Form 4A, building borough comparables and applying on Form MR1 before the deadline.

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Insider Guide to Off‑Market Rentals in London — New Strategies

A practical playbook for London renters tapping the surge in off‑market rentals. Learn why private lets rose since 2023, where to look, platforms to target, negotiation scripts and legal checks — plus data‑backed savings and speed outcomes.

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How Rent Payment Apps and Open Banking Are Rewriting London Renting

This article explains how rent payment apps, Open Banking and BNPL-style rent options are changing affordability, referencing and landlord behaviour in London (Feb 2026). It outlines benefits, risks and practical steps renters can take to protect their finances and negotiate smarter rent terms.

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New Rent-to-Own Pilots: A Timely Playbook for London Renters

A practical, data‑led Feb 2026 guide to London rent‑to‑own pilots: what’s available, who qualifies, how terms typically work, and step‑by‑step tactics to assess whether RTO lowers your costs versus renting or buying.

rent-to-ownLondon housing