Rent Act 1977

4 (1) Where representations are made as mentioned in paragraph 2 above or the rent officer is not satisfied that the rent specified in the application is a fair rent or, as the case may be, that the rent for the time being registered is no longer a fair rent, he shall serve a notice under this paragraph.

(2) A notice under this paragraph shall be served on the landlord and on the tenant informing them that the rent officer proposes, at a time (which shall not be earlier than 7 days after the service of the notice) and place specified in the notice, to consider in consultation with the landlord and the tenant, or such of them as may appear at that time and place, what rent ought to be registered for the dwelling-house or, as the case may be, whether a different rent ought to be so registered.

(3) At any such consultation the landlord and the tenant may each be represented by a person authorised by him in mat behalf, whether or not that person is of counsel or a solicitor.