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]
| Residential Property Tribunal Wales | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Established | 2004 |
| Jurisdiction | Wales |
| Authorised by | Housing Act 2004 |
| Appeals to | Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) |
| Website | residentialpropertytribunal |
It was established by the Housing Act 2004 and also has powers under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 and Rent Act 1977.[2]
Proceedings
editHearings 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
editParties can choose to be represented by a lawyer, but may also use a friend or represent themselves.
Membership
editTribunal 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
editThe 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
editWhen 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
editThe RPTW sitting as a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal hears disputes regarding leaseholds, including their service charges, enfranchisement, and tenants' associations.[10]
Residential property tribunals
editResidential 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.