Flat 13 Central House, Eagle Way, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3GF
Condition: Ground-floor flat in a purpose-built development on the outskirts of Brentwood, with two ensuite bathrooms, a separate toilet, and an open-plan living/kitchen with washer-dryer, cooker, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. The tenant reported a period of damp (remedial works began before the hearing), a broken cooker seal and an uneven worktop causing damage to the dishwasher, though photographs did not substantiate the damp claim and the tribunal found no continuing defect materially affecting rental value.
Evidence considered
- Landlord: 30 comparable 2-bed flats within its own portfolio in the same building, let for £1,525–£1,800 pcm (individual units not identified, so given limited but relevant weight as being in the same building)
Tenant submitted evidence: no. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal found the tenant's claims of continuing damp and disrepair unsubstantiated by the photographs provided, and gave only limited (but relevant) weight to the landlord's undetailed portfolio comparables, which were all higher than the proposed rent. It determined the market rent at £1,505 pcm — the landlord's proposed figure — with no adjustments.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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