Today, 1 July 2013, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) commences in England and replaces a number of tribunals all of which no longer exist:
- Rent Assessment Committees
- Rent Tribunals
- Residential Property Tribunals
- Leasehold Valuation Tribunals
- Agricultural Land Tribunals.
There are new procedure rules that are now effective which are broadly based upon the rules that previously existed for the former tribunals and committees. Looking at the procedure rules there are a number of simplifications and improvements so there should be nothing to fear from the new rules.
As a consequence, a number of forms and notices are amended by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2013.
These changes will mainly affect landlords and agents for our purposes in respect of provisions contained in the Housing Act 2004 and Houses in Multiple Occupation.
All appeals (in England) against licensing and the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) will now be made to the new First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
