67 Studley Rise, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0PD
Condition: A terraced house with some disrepair issues raised by the tenant (minor mould, a dilapidated shed, a loose fitted fridge, guttering concerns) which the tribunal found to be relatively minor.
Evidence considered
- Tenant provided asking-rent comparables of £1,200 pcm (accommodation unspecified) and £1,150 pcm (house with one bathroom)
- Landlord provided comparables with asking rents from £1,200 pcm to £1,400 pcm
- Tenant provided a comparable for a 3-bedroom village cottage with an unusual bathroom layout
- Tribunal relied on its own expert general knowledge of local rental values alongside the comparables
- Photographic evidence of alleged disrepair (mould, conservatory roof, guttering, shed, fridge) considered but found to indicate only minor issues
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal determined a starting market rent of £1,300 pcm (for the property in good condition with white goods, flooring and curtains) based on comparable evidence and its own expert knowledge, then deducted £20 to reflect minor disrepair issues (a loose fitted fridge, minor mould, guttering, and a dilapidated shed), arriving at £1,280 pcm. The tribunal decided the case on the papers, finding the disrepair issues too minor to warrant an inspection or hearing, and no undue hardship evidence was submitted by the tenant.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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