15 Chequers Court, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 9EQ
Condition: Ground floor flat with double glazing gaps, one faulty electric heater, and issues with high humidity causing condensation and black mould.
Evidence considered
- Neither party provided evidence of comparable market rents achieved for similar properties in the area.
- Tribunal relied on its own knowledge and judgement of rental values in Aylesbury to set a baseline market rent of £975 pcm for the property in good condition.
- Tenant provided a technical humidity/damp report (83% in bedroom, 67-72% in other rooms) and photographs of mould, supporting a £75 pcm reduction.
- A further £25 pcm reduction was applied for a damaged electric heater.
- Minor repairs carried out by the tenant (door lock, weather strip) were not considered improvements warranting any rent adjustment.
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: no.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal determined a notional market rent of £975 pcm for the property in good condition, based on its own knowledge of Aylesbury rental values since neither party submitted comparable evidence. It then deducted £75 pcm for ongoing humidity and black mould issues (supported by a technical report and photographs) and a further £25 pcm for a faulty electric heater, arriving at a final figure of £875 pcm. Minor repairs carried out by the tenant were not treated as improvements justifying any adjustment.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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