Flat 1 Compass Point, 450 Romsey Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 4JD
Condition: Ground floor studio, modernised and in good order with fitted kitchen, integrated appliances, wooden flooring and double glazing.
Evidence considered
- Tenant provided letting details for comparable studios: £800 pcm (Paignton Road) and £850 pcm (High Road)
- 1-bed flats in the same building (Compass Point) advertised by the landlord's agent for £925-£950 pcm, considered not directly comparable to the subject studio
- WhatsApp evidence from occupant of another flat in the building (a larger studio with partition wall) reporting rent of £900 pcm
- Landlord submitted no evidence or response
- Tribunal relied on its own expertise and general knowledge of local rental values alongside tenant's comparables
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: no.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal determined the market rent on the papers, without inspection or hearing, relying on the tenant's comparable evidence of nearby studio lettings (£800 and £850 pcm) and a similar studio within the same building reported at £900 pcm, alongside its own expertise. The landlord failed to respond or submit any evidence. As the determined market rent (£850 pcm) was lower than both the current and proposed rents, no further adjustment for condition was made and the tenant's undue hardship argument became moot.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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