CAM/42 UK/MNR/2025/0636
Condition: A 2020s-built semi-detached house in good external condition, fully fitted with landlord-provided flooring, white goods, double glazing and central heating.
Evidence considered
- Tenant submitted Rightmove-based evidence on two nearby houses (Merchant Avenue/Fornham Place) advertised and later reduced to £1195 pcm, but the tribunal found this of no significance in reducing the proposed rent.
- Landlord submitted an agent's report (Ascend) based on Rightmove data covering 12 similar small houses within 2 miles, marketed Dec 2024-Mar 2025, with asking rents ranging from £1350 to £1595 pcm, most let within 4-6 weeks.
- Tribunal relied substantially on its own general knowledge of market rent levels in Bury St. Edmunds.
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal determined the market rent using its own general knowledge of rents in Bury St. Edmunds, supported by landlord evidence of comparable small modern houses let within the area at asking rents of £1350-£1595 pcm. The tenant's evidence of two reduced-asking-rent properties (down to £1195 pcm) was considered but found not significant enough to justify a reduction. The tribunal therefore confirmed the landlord's proposed rent of £1350 pcm as the market rent, effective from 14 March 2025.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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