12 Mildmay Road Stevenage, Herts, SG1 5TW
Condition: Fair external condition; kitchen and bathroom basic/functional with some minor disrepair noted in a prior survey; tenant provided carpets and curtains.
Evidence considered
- Neither party supplied comparable rental evidence for similar local properties
- Tribunal relied on its own general knowledge of market rent levels in Stevenage
- Tenant's 2023 surveyor's report noting minor disrepair (condensation, leaking shower, poor ventilation) was considered but was over a year old and unclear if remedied
- Google Streetview imagery (August 2024) used to assess exterior condition
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: no.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal assessed that the property would let for £1150 pcm if fully fitted and in good order, based on its own knowledge of local market rents in the absence of comparable evidence from either party. It then deducted £100 pcm to reflect the merely functional kitchen and bathroom, likely minor unremedied defects noted in an older survey, and the absence of tenant-provided carpets and curtains, arriving at a determined market rent of £1050 pcm.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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