Flat 21, Lower North St., Walsall, WS4 2BB
Condition: Second floor one-bedroom flat with central heating and double glazing, in otherwise tenantable condition but with an outstanding kitchen upgrade not yet carried out.
Evidence considered
- Neither party submitted evidence of comparable rents for other properties in the area
- Tribunal relied on its own knowledge, expertise and online research to assess market rent
- Deduction applied for a kitchen due for upgrade (not yet fitted despite 2022 promise)
- Deduction applied for tenant-provided carpets, curtains and white goods
Tenant submitted evidence: no. Landlord submitted evidence: no.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal did not inspect but relied on its own expert knowledge of local letting values and the parties' written submissions, as neither side provided comparable rent evidence. It assessed the open market rent for the flat in good condition at £600 pcm, then deducted £50 for an outstanding kitchen upgrade and £50 for carpets, curtains and white goods provided by the tenant, arriving at £500 pcm.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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