
Housing & Tenancy judgments from UK courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
The First-tier Tribunal decided on the price for the freehold interest under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967. They considered different ways to value the property, including the value of the freehold without tenants and the value of the existing lease. The final price was set at £126,684.00.
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) reviewed a tenant's challenge to the service charges levied by a landlord. The Tribunal found that some charges were reasonable, but others were deemed too high and needed adjustment.
The First-tier Tribunal ruled on the reasonableness and payability of service charges for a specific year and addressed issues related to the transfer of management responsibilities. The tenant argued that the service charges had not been certified and thus should not be payable. The tribunal determined that the service charges were payable but reduced the amount based on the information provided.
The First-tier Tribunal ordered a landlord to repay rent to tenants because the landlord operated an unlicensed HMO from 1st October 2018 to 12th July 2019. The tribunal ruled that the landlord's failure to obtain a license amounted to an offense under the Housing Act 2004.
The First-tier Tribunal granted an exemption from the consultation requirements for urgent fire safety works in a residential property. The decision was made by a person on 9th September 2020.
The First-tier Tribunal allowed a management company to bypass the usual consultation process for urgent repairs to the communal heating and air conditioning system in a block of flats. The repairs were deemed necessary to ensure residents had heating in their homes.
The First-tier Tribunal reviewed service charges for a residential property and adjusted several charges based on evidence and transparency issues. The decision emphasises the importance of transparency and clear documentation in service charge disputes.
The Tribunal decided to increase the pitch fee for a property based on the Retail Prices Index (RPI) increase, despite arguments from the tenants about deteriorating site conditions. The decision was made during a remote video hearing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The First-tier Tribunal allowed a landlord to bypass certain consultation requirements for installing a fire alarm system, citing the urgency and necessity of enhancing fire safety at a person.