106 Kingfisher Drive, Chatham, Kent, ME5 7NZ
Condition: The property is a modern-development semi-detached house with disputed issues of mould and pest ingress attributed by the landlord to tenant lifestyle rather than defects.
Evidence considered
- Landlord submitted a Rightmove Best Price Guide showing comparable asking rents of £1,375 to £1,595 pcm
- Photographs of the property before tenancy start and more recently
- Tribunal relied on its own expert and general knowledge of local rental values in addition to the comparables provided
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal assessed a market rent of £1,300 pcm for the property in good, modernised condition, based on its own expert knowledge and comparable evidence (Rightmove listings), then deducted £80 pcm to reflect tenant-provided kitchen appliances and bathroom tiling, giving a final rent of £1,220 pcm. The tribunal rejected the tenant's claims of substantial expenditure on improvements as inconsistent with the actual limited work done, and found that mould and pest issues were more likely attributable to occupant lifestyle than property defects. No reduction was made for hardship as the tenant provided no supporting evidence beyond assertions.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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