Flat 3, 237 Ramsgate Road, Margate, Kent CT9 4EU
Condition: Modern build-to-rent flat with reported issues including bathroom/ensuite flooring damage and a kitchen window that did not close properly, which had not been remedied by the hearing date.
Evidence considered
- Landlord provided three comparable two-bed flats let by the same landlord/agent at £1,240-£1,265 pcm, but tenancy agreements were heavily redacted so let dates could not be verified and no independent local comparables were given.
- Tenant provided online (Zoopla) listings of two-bed flats at £925-£995 pcm, but these were generally smaller, lacked dates, and some had only one bathroom.
- Tribunal relied substantially on its own knowledge and expertise of local rental values alongside the limited comparable evidence from both parties.
Tenant submitted evidence: yes. Landlord submitted evidence: yes.
Tribunal's reasoning
The tribunal started from a market rent of £1,100 pcm, derived from its own expertise and the comparables submitted, allowing for the fact white goods and furnishings were not provided. It then deducted £50 pcm to reflect outstanding repair items (damaged bathroom/ensuite flooring and a kitchen window that did not open properly) which had not been fixed by the hearing date, arriving at £1,050 pcm. The tenant's hardship request for a later start date was rejected as the increase was not considered to cause undue hardship, so the new rent took effect from the next rental period after determination.
Read the original decision (PDF, GOV.UK)
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