42 Mitcham Park Mitcham Surrey CR4 4EJ
Condition: 1920s semi-detached house in generally good condition with minor issues such as a slightly leaking conservatory roof and some gapping laminate flooring, otherwise well maintained.
Evidence considered
- Landlord submitted a letting agent (Foxtons) report citing 5 comparable 4-bedroom houses locally, rents ranging £2900-£3500 pcm, three in Mitcham and two in/near Wimbledon (higher value area)
- Tribunal also relied on its own general knowledge of market rent levels in Mitcham
- Tenant provided no comparable evidence, only proposed retaining the existing £2600 pcm rent
Tenant submitted evidence: no. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal set the market rent using the landlord's Foxtons comparable evidence of five similar 4-bedroom houses locally (£2900-£3500 pcm) and its own knowledge of Mitcham rents, arriving at £2800 pcm fully fitted with white goods, carpets and curtains. It rejected the tenant's request to keep rent at the passing level, finding minor defects raised (conservatory roof leak, laminate gapping, general wear) insufficient to justify any deduction, and disregarded tenant improvements. The notice was found valid and the new rent took effect from the date stated in the landlord's notice.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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