Housing & Tenancy
Housing & Tenancy judgments from UK courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tribunal Rules Service Charges Unreasonable for Assured Tenancy in London
Financial Penalty Upheld for HMO Licence Breaches
The First-tier Tribunal upheld a financial penalty imposed on a landlord for breaches of an HMO licence, including overcrowding and fire safety issues. The landlord appealed the penalty but the tribunal found the local authority had followed proper procedures and the breaches had been committed.
Tenant Wins Case Against Unjustified Administration Charges
The First-tier Tribunal ruled that a tenant is not responsible for paying administration charges if the landlord does not provide a valid explanation for these charges. This decision is based on the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.
Tribunal Sets £136,900 Premium for Collective Enfranchisement in Willesden
Tribunal Rejects Tenant's Appeal for Rent Increase Determination
The First-tier Tribunal dismissed a tenant's application for rent increase determination, citing a lack of jurisdiction under the Housing Act 1988 for fixed-term tenancies. The decision was made remotely via paper submission.
Tribunal Sets Market Rent for Flat at £2230 Per Month
First-tier Tribunal Rejects Appeal for Rent Increase During Fixed Term
Tribunal sets £282 weekly fair rent for assured tenancy in Whitechapel
First-tier Tribunal rules on balcony repair costs
Tribunal Confirms Fire Safety Prohibition Order, Rejects HMO Appeal
The Tribunal confirmed a Prohibition Order due to fire safety concerns but dismissed an appeal against an HMO Declaration Notice, upholding the local authority's decision.
Rent Determination for Assured Periodic Tenancy Set at £540 Weekly
The First-tier Tribunal decided on the rent for an assured periodic tenancy. They set the weekly rent at £540, excluding some charges. This decision was made under the Housing Act 1988.
Tribunal Invalidates £167.10/month Rent Increase Notice for Assured Tenancy in East London
A tenant challenged a landlord's notice of rent increase because it stated the wrong current rent. The notice proposed increasing the rent from £146.01 to £167.10 per week, but the actual current rent was £142.61 per week. The First-tier Tribunal agreed that the notice was invalid due to the incorrect rent statement, especially since the tenant receives Universal Credit.
Tenant Successfully Defends Against Breach of Covenant Claim
In a recent case, a tenant successfully defended against a landlord's claim that they were in breach of their lease by refusing access for fire safety inspections. The First-tier Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant, stating that the landlord did not provide sufficient evidence of a breach.
Tribunal grants dispensation for roof repairs in block of six flats under Section 20ZA
The First-tier Tribunal granted a landlord permission to bypass certain consultation requirements under Section 20ZA of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The decision allows the landlord to proceed with urgent roof repairs without consulting all tenants, as no significant harm to the tenants was demonstrated.
Tribunal Sets Fair Market Rent for Ground-Floor Flat
Tribunal Sets £212/week Rent for Assured Tenancy in London
Tribunal sets £134 weekly rent for assured tenancy in London
The First-tier Tribunal decided on the rent for an assured periodic tenancy. They set the weekly rent at £134.00, excluding some costs but including service charges.
Tribunal Sets £129.50 Weekly Rent for Assured Tenancy in London
Landlord Granted Dispensation From Consultation Requirements Under Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
In this case, the First-tier Tribunal allowed the Landlord to bypass certain consultation requirements under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, despite objections from the tenants. The decision was made by Judge Robert Latham on 11 July 2022.