1 Charlotte Square, Margate, Kent, CT9 1LR
Condition: Dated fixtures and fittings with general wear and tear and reported mould issues in a three-storey semi-detached house.
Evidence considered
- Tenant cited two advertised comparable properties (£1,195 pcm and £1,300 pcm), both with garden and parking, arguing for a lower rent than proposed.
- Landlord's agent provided a list of properties available to rent (asking prices, not achieved rents) and a schedule of included fixtures/furniture.
- Tribunal relied mainly on its own expert knowledge of local rental values rather than the limited comparable evidence provided.
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The Tribunal found the rent increase notice valid, rejecting the tenants' argument it was served too soon. Using its own expert knowledge, it assessed the property's market rent if modernised and in good order (with landlord-provided white goods and curtains) at £1,350 pcm, then deducted £20 for tenant-provided white goods, £20 for tenant-provided curtains, and £60 for general disrepair, arriving at £1,250 pcm. This matched the existing rent, so no increase was ultimately awarded.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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