In recent years, the Ombudsman has made significant improvements to both its determination outputs and efficiencies, despite an ongoing freeze to its membership fee.

However, the Ombudsman said there is a need to raise the fee it charges landlords due to ongoing increased complaint volumes.

The chargeable fee for 2026-27 will be £9.64. This is an increase from £8.03 in 2025-26.

The Ombudsman added: “We recognise the impact of the late consultation on landlords’ budgets and will work closely with MHCLG next year, and beyond, to ensure consultation takes place in Quarter 3 (October-December) of the preceding financial year.  An activity has been added to our Business Plan in this regard.

“The KPIs for 2026-27 maintain continuity with our Business Plan 2025-26 and Corporate Strategy 2025-30 aims. They also reflect the ‘stabilise’ phase of our caseload reduction strategy as we seek to stop this from growing and ageing and to deliver faster resolution to disputes for residents.

“We thank all stakeholders for their feedback to our Business Plan and welcome ongoing discussions about its implementation. We will work in partnership with the sector and residents to ensure a collaborative approach moving forward.”