146Timing of rental applications

146 Timing of rental applications (1) An application by a tenant in relation to a rent increase must be made at least 28 days before the increase is proposed to take effect, unless the Magistrates Court waives this requirement. (2) However, the Magistrates Court may hear an application relating to a proposed rental rate increase made less than 28 days before the day the increase is proposed to take effect, if satisfied that— (a) the application is late because of special circumstances; and (b) to hear the application would not place the lessor in a significantly worse position than the lessor would have been had the tenant applied at least 28 days before the day the increase is proposed to take effect.