The rent tribunal system is “not working for anyone”, tenants and landlords have said, as rent increases of up to 88% continue to be approved despite Labour’s pledge to curb unfair rises.

Tenants are challenging rent increases in record numbers since the Renters’ Reform Act came into effect in May, making the process easier and less risky for renters.

But tenants and landlords have said people are facing increasingly long delays for hearings, and that there is a lack of consistency in how “fair market rent” is being decided.

Analysis of data from May to October by London Renters Union (LRU) showed 80% of tenants who went through the tribunal process saw their rent go up, by an average of £1,200 a year, although in most cases it was less than the landlord’s proposed increase.

In 36% of cases, the landlord’s proposed increase was approved in full, and in 42% of cases the rent increase was reduced.…