Residential Property Tribunal Wales

Residential Property Tribunal Wales
Established2004
JurisdictionWales
Authorised byHousing Act 2004
Appeals toUpper Tribunal (Lands Chamber)
Websiteresidentialpropertytribunal.gov.wales

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales (RPTW) is a collective of tribunals sponsored by the Welsh Government that deal with disputes related to housing and residential property.[1]

It was established by the Housing Act 2004 and also has powers under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 and Rent Act 1977.[2]

Proceedings

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Hearings can be either in-person or written. If in-person, the hearing will normally be held at the RPTW office in Cardiff or somewhere that is within travelling distance from the location involved in the dispute (e.g. a local hotel).[3]

The tribunal has no power to enforce the orders it makes, as this is held by the County Court.[3]

Proceedings can be conducted in either English or Welsh.[4]

Representation

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Parties can choose to be represented by a lawyer, but may also use a friend or represent themselves.

Membership

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Tribunal members include lawyers, professional members (e.g. chartered surveyors), and lay persons. Hearings are presided by chairs, who are always qualified lawyers. The RPTW is led by a president and vice-president, appointed by the Lord Chancellor.[5]

Divisions

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The RPTW is split into three divisions:[6]

  • Rent Assessment Committees
  • Leasehold Valuation Tribunals
  • Residential Property Tribunals

These formerly existed in England also (albeit as separate tribunals), but were merged into the First-tier Tribunal from 1 July 2013.[7]

Rent assessment committees

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When hearing disputes regarding fair rent, the RPTW sits as a residential assessment committee (RAC). This consists of two or three tribunal members.[8]

It operates under the provisions of the Rent Act 1977, hearing appeals from a landlord or tenant on the decisions of the local council rent officer on whether the rent charged is fair.[9]

Leasehold valuation tribunals

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The RPTW sitting as a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal hears disputes regarding leaseholds, including their service charges, enfranchisement, and tenants' associations.[10]

Residential property tribunals

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Residential Property Tribunals deal with disputes about:[11]

  • Management orders
  • Licensing
  • Health and safety rating
  • Mobile homes

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Welcome to the". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  2. ^ "Glossary of terms". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  3. ^ a b "Frequently asked questions". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  4. ^ "Welsh Language Standards". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  5. ^ "Secretariat and members". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  6. ^ "Guidance and forms". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  7. ^ "The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2013". legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Rent Assessment Committees". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  9. ^ "Fair rent". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  10. ^ "Leasehold Valuation Tribunals". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  11. ^ "Residential Property Tribunals". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
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