56 Airstone Road, Askern, Doncaster, DN6 0QB
Condition: Tenant had made substantial improvements over the tenancy, but there was disrepair including a defective, unreliable boiler, blown double glazing units, and a leaking roof needing repointing.
Evidence considered
- No comparable evidence was submitted by either party
- Tribunal relied on its own knowledge of 5 comparable properties currently advertised to let in the area, ranging £600-£825 pcm for 2-3 bedroom houses
- Deduction of £145 pcm from assessed market rent of £750 pcm for substantial tenant-funded improvements to the property
- Further deduction of £20 pcm for disrepair (heating system, double glazing, roof and ridge tiles)
Tenant submitted evidence: no. Landlord submitted evidence: no.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal found no comparable evidence was submitted by either party, so it used its own knowledge of five similar properties currently advertised in the area (ranging £600-£825 pcm) to determine an open market rent of £750 pcm. It then deducted £145 pcm to reflect substantial improvements made by the tenant over the tenancy (landscaping, garage, kitchen/bathroom replacement, central heating, etc.) and a further £20 pcm for disrepair items (unreliable boiler, blown double glazing, leaking roof and ridge tiles needing repointing), producing a rent of £590 pcm (£136.15 per week). The rent was ordered to take effect from the date of the tribunal's decision rather than the notice date, due to concerns about undue hardship for the benefits-dependent tenant.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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