18 Blacksmiths Close, Chadwell Heath Romford Essex RM6 4XE
Condition: Purpose-built ground floor studio flat with some mould and damp issues, otherwise satisfactory sanitary fittings and kitchen units, EPC rating E.
Evidence considered
- Tenant submitted comparable evidence of studio and one-bedroom flats ranging £900-£1250 pcm
- Landlord submitted comparable evidence of studio flats ranging £1200-£1250 pcm
- Tribunal relied on own expert knowledge of rental values together with both parties' comparables and Rightmove listings
- Photographs showed mould/damp leading to a £50 condition deduction from the starting market rent
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal determined a starting market rent of £1,150 pcm for the modernised, good-condition equivalent of the studio flat, based on its own expertise and the comparable evidence of studio lettings provided by both parties (ranging £900-£1250 pcm) together with Rightmove data. It then deducted £50 to reflect mould and damp disrepair evidenced in photographs, arriving at a final determined rent of £1,100 pcm.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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