Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 41589 Rented Housing: Housing Improvement, whether the First-tier Tribunal takes account of a landlord’s declaration when determining a market rent assessment.

It is important that means-tested energy efficiency grants schemes are used to benefit tenants. That is why, for example, we have set a clear expectation that landlords should declare that they do not intend to raise rents as a direct result of the upgrades funded by the Warm Homes: Local Grant that was launched in April.

When determining market rent, the First Tier-Tribunal disregards improvements made and funded by the tenant.

However, the Tribunal does not disregard measures funded by landlords, including instances where they may have been partially supported by specific government grants.

We strongly encourage landlords and tenants to communicate early about what adjustments to rent are sustainable for both parties.