Flat 10, Hamilton House, 111 Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3PS
Condition: Flat with general disrepair including reported roof leaks and poor flooring, some fittings/white goods provided by the tenant rather than landlord.
Evidence considered
- Tribunal's own general knowledge and expertise of rental values in Portsmouth used to set open market rent benchmark of £1,000 pcm
- Landlord submitted a Rightmove 'Best Price Guide' and a local agent valuation suggesting £900-£1,000 pcm
- Tenant submitted photographs evidencing disrepair and supporting claims of self-funded repairs (bathroom refitting, plastering, boiler repair)
- Deductions applied for tenant-provided white goods (£20), tenant-provided bathroom fittings (£30), and general wants of repair (£50)
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The Tribunal assessed the open market rent for the flat in good tenantable condition (with landlord-provided carpets, curtains and white goods) at £1,000 pcm, based on its own expert knowledge of Portsmouth rental values plus the landlord's agent valuation evidence. It then deducted £100 total to reflect the tenant's provision of white goods and bathroom fittings and general wants of repair evidenced by photographs, arriving at £900 pcm. Personal circumstances and disputes about cleaning services or hardship were not taken into account, and the new rent took effect from the date specified in the landlord's notice.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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