Residential Property Tribunal Wales
 |
| Residential Property Tribunal Wales | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Established | 2004 |
| Jurisdiction | Wales |
| Authorized by | Housing Act 2004 |
| Appeals to | Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) |
| Website | residentialpropertytribunal |
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[edit]
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[edit]
Parties can choose to be represented by a lawyer, but may also use a friend or represent themselves.
Membership[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
The RPTW sitting as a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal hears disputes regarding leaseholds, including their service charges, enfranchisement, and tenants' associations.[10]
Residential property tribunals[edit]
Residential Property Tribunals deal with disputes about:[11]
- Management orders
- Licensing
- Health and safety rating
- Mobile homes
See also[edit]
- Residential Property Tribunal Service (former similar English organisation)
- First-tier Tribunal (current English equivalent)
References[edit]
- ^ "Welcome to the". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Glossary of terms". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ a b "Frequently asked questions". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Welsh Language Standards". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Secretariat and members". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Guidance and forms". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2013". legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Rent Assessment Committees". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Fair rent". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Leasehold Valuation Tribunals". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ "Residential Property Tribunals". Residential Property Tribunal. Retrieved 2024-02-29.