71 Rufford Drive, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8PN
Condition: The property was in moderate condition, with minor disrepair including cracked plaster, a missing sink/bath overflow, a broken fridge hinge, and a missing patio door handle.
Evidence considered
- Landlord provided evidence of four comparable 3-bedroom terraced properties in the locality with asking rents of £1,150-£1,300 pcm
- Tribunal's own research identified comparable 3-bedroom terraced properties with asking rents of £925-£1,350 pcm
- No comparable evidence was submitted by the tenant
Tenant submitted evidence: no. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal assessed the market rent in good condition at £1,100 pcm based on comparable 3-bedroom terraced properties in the locality (asking rents £925-£1,350 pcm, with landlord evidence showing £1,150-£1,300 pcm). It then deducted £150 for disrepair/lack of modernisation (missing overflow, cracked plaster, broken fridge hinge, missing door handle etc.) and £55 for furnishings/white goods supplied by the tenant, giving a final rent of £895 pcm. Due to evidence of tenant hardship (single parent with a disabled child, inability to afford the proposed increase), the new rent took effect from the decision date rather than the notice date.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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