199 Nevill Avenue, Hove, BN3 7NG
Condition: Dated bathroom, general wants of repair and maintenance including a flat roof in poor repair, rusting radiators, draughts and damp, with EPC rating D.
Evidence considered
- Tenant submitted photographs of disrepair (flat roof, mismatched bathroom suite, rusting radiators, broken light fitting) and details of 2-bedroom comparable properties, given limited weight due to bedroom mismatch
- Landlord submitted an unsigned tenancy agreement showing £1,500 pcm rent and details of 3-bedroom comparable properties
- Tribunal relied substantially on its own expert knowledge of local rental values alongside the comparables provided
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The Tribunal used its own expert knowledge and the comparables from both parties to set a starting market rent of £1,900 pcm for the property if modernised and in good condition. It then deducted £200 total for the tenant's provision of white goods, carpets and curtains, dated bathroom fittings, and general disrepair, arriving at £1,700 pcm. The tenant's claim of financial hardship was not supported by evidence of income or expenditure, so the new rent took effect from the date specified in the landlord's notice.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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