Rent Act 1977

7 (1) Where an application is referred to a rent assessment committee, then if the reference is under paragraph 2 above and it appears to the committee that the information supplied by the applicant to the rent officer is insufficient to enable a certificate of fair rent to be issued they shall notify the applicant accordingly.

(2) In any other case where an application is referred to a rent assessment committee, they shall serve on the applicant a notice specifying a period of not less than 14 days from the service of the notice during which either representations in writing or a request to make oral representations may be made by him to the committee.

(3) Where, within the period specified under sub-paragraph (2) above or such further period as the committee may allow, the applicant requests to make oral representations, the committee shall give him an opportunity to be heard either in person or by a person authorised by him in that behalf, whether or not that person is of counsel or a solicitor.