19 St Davids Close Stevenage Herts SG1 4UZ Slough SL2 2LT
Condition: A late-1990s detached house in only fair condition, with dated but functional fittings and some minor persistent defects (shower/bath, door glass, stair carpet wear) attributed to a history of slow landlord repairs.
Evidence considered
- Landlord's agent provided brief, non-detailed information on other local lettings and availability in support of the proposed rent, supplemented orally at the hearing
- Tenant provided photographs showing minor defects (bathroom/shower, bath panel, toilet seat, tiling, staircase, wardrobe doors) and details of personal income to evidence affordability difficulty
- Neither party provided full comparable evidence; the Tribunal relied on its own general knowledge of market rent levels in the area
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The Tribunal used its own general knowledge of market rents in Stevenage to value the property, as let on normal AST terms and in good order, at £1,800 pcm. It then deducted £100 pcm to reflect the property's only fair condition, dated fittings, and minor persistent defects likely to continue or recur due to a history of slow repairs, arriving at £1,700 pcm. No hardship relief was applied due to insufficient information on the tenant's and other occupiers' finances.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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