49   Orders as to excessive rent increases or rents

(1)  The Tribunal may, on application by a tenant under section 46 or 47, and after considering any matters it considers appropriate under section 48, determine that a rent increase or rent is excessive.

(2)  If the Tribunal determines that a rent increase is excessive, the Tribunal may order that from a day specified by the Tribunal, not being earlier than the day from which the increased rent was payable, the rent shall not exceed an amount specified by the Tribunal and may make such other orders as it thinks fit.

(3)  If the Tribunal determines that a rent is excessive having regard to the reduction or withdrawal by the landlord of any goods, services or facilities provided with the premises, the Tribunal may order that from a day specified by the Tribunal, not being earlier than the date of that reduction or withdrawal, the rent shall not exceed an amount specified by the Tribunal and may make such other orders as it thinks fit.

(4)  An order made by the Tribunal specifying a maximum amount of rent:

(a)  has effect for such period, not exceeding 12 months, as is specified by the Tribunal in the order, and

(b)  binds only the parties to the residential tenancy agreement or the proposed residential tenancy agreement under which the rent is payable.