147 Bensham Lane, Thorton Heath, Surrey,CR7 7EW
Condition: An Edwardian-era semi-detached house in fair external condition with double glazing and gas central heating, assumed to be in reasonable decorative order with landlord-provided white goods and floor coverings.
Evidence considered
- Landlord cited nearby similar semi-detached houses with asking rents ranging from £2000 to £2400 pcm
- Tenant proposed £1500 pcm but provided no supporting market evidence
- Tribunal relied on its own knowledge of market rent levels in the area, citing a range of £1950–£2400 pcm for similar properties
Tenant submitted evidence: no. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The landlord proposed increasing the rent from £1850 to £1950 pcm. The tenant disputed the increase but provided no market evidence, while the landlord cited nearby similar semi-detached houses asking £2000–£2400 pcm. Drawing on its own knowledge of market rents in the area (range £1950–£2400 pcm), the tribunal determined £1950 pcm was appropriate, making no end allowance for condition and no adjustment for hardship.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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