First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Decision — Case 4136342
📌 In brief
The Tribunal decided on a fair market rent of £1,400 per month for an assured periodic tenancy after reviewing the evidence presented by both sides. The decision took effect on October 19, 2024.
⚖️ Legal holding
A tenant is entitled to a fair rent determination based on the property's condition and local market conditions, as seen in the adjustment from £1,500 to £1,400 in this case.
📖 What the law says
Under the Housing Act 1988, section 14 allows a tenant with an assured tenancy to apply to a tribunal to challenge the rent payable under their tenancy. The tribunal will then determine a fair market rent based on what a willing landlord would charge for a similar property in the open market.
Plain-English explanation — does not replace advice from a solicitor.
📖 Technical summary
The Tribunal determined a rent of £1,400 per month for an assured tenancy, adjusting from the proposed £1,500 due to the property's condition and lack of amenities.
📜 Headnote Official document
The Tribunal determined a fair market rent of £1,400 per month for an assured periodic tenancy, taking into account comparable evidence and the condition of the property.
📚 Full judgment Official document
OUTCOME: Allowed
MR22 First-tier Tribunal – Property Chamber File Ref No. HAV/29UN/MNR/2024/0612
Notice of the Tribunal Decision and Register of Rents under Assured Periodic Tenancies (Section 14 Determination)
Housing Act 1988 Section 14
Address of Premises The Tribunal members were 24 [ADDRESS] [POSTCODE]
[NAME] Mr [RESPONDENT]
Landlord Mr [RESPONDENT] & Mrs [RESPONDENT] [NAME] c/o [NAME], 110-112 [ADDRESS], [POSTCODE]
Tenant Ms [APPELLANT]
1. The rent is: £ 1400.00 Per Calendar Month (excluding water rates and council tax but including any amounts in paras 3)
2. The date the decision takes effect is: 19 October 2024
3. The amount included for services is not applicable n/a Per n/a
4. Date assured tenancy commenced 19 March 2020
5. Length of the term or rental period Monthly
6. Allocation of liability for repairs Landlord
7. Furniture provided by landlord or superior landlord
8. Description of premises Semi-detached house with 4 bedrooms.
[NAME] of Decision 2 December 2024
© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2024
FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL PROPERTY CHAMBER (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY) Case Reference : HAV/29UN/MNR/2024/0612 Property : 24 [ADDRESS] [POSTCODE] Applicant Tenant : Ms [COUNSEL] :
None
Respondent Landlord : [COUNSEL] and [COUNSEL] : [NAME] of Application :
Determination of a Market Rent sections 13 & 14 of the Housing Act 1988
Tribunal Members : Mr [NAME] [NAME] [NAME] of Application : 10th October 2024 Date of Decision :
2nd December 2024
DECISION
The Tribunal determines a rent of £1,400 per calendar month with effect from 19th October 2024.
HAV/29UN/MNR/2024/0612
2
SUMMARY REASONS
Background 1. On 11th September 2024 the Landlords’ Agent served a notice under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £1,500 per month in place of the existing rent of £1,350 per month to take effect from 19th October 2024.
2. On 10th October 2024 under Section 13(4)(a) of the Housing Act 1988, the Tenant referred the Landlord’s notice proposing a new rent to the Tribunal for determination of a market rent. Inspection 3. The Tribunal did not inspect the property but considered this case based on the papers provided by the parties and information freely available on the internet. Evidence
4. The Tribunal has considered the written submissions provided by the Tenant and the Landlords’ Agent. Determination and Valuation 5. Having given consideration to the comparable evidence provided by the parties and of its own expert, general knowledge of rental values in the area, the Tribunal determines that the open market rent for the property in good tenable condition would be £1,450 per calendar month. This figure takes into account the proximity of the property to the Railway Line.
6. Such a tenancy would normally include white goods, carpets, curtains/blinds and associated fittings to all be provided by the Landlord.
7. In this case the property is not let in such condition or with white goods, carpets and curtains all supplied so some adjustments to the ‘open market rent’ are necessary. In particular the Tribunal has made the adjustments for …… 8. The full valuation is shown below: Full open market rent in good condition £1,450 Less deductions for:- General wants of repair
£50
____ TOTAL RENT PAYABLE PER MONTH
£1,400
HAV/29UN/MNR/2024/0612
3 9. The Tribunal therefore decided that the rent at which the subject property might reasonably be expected to be let in the open market by a willing Landlord under the terms of this assured tenancy was £1,400 per month.
10. The Tenant made no representation that the starting date for the new rent specified in the Landlord’s notice would cause the Tenant undue hardship.
11.
Accordingly, the Tribunal directed that the new rent of £1,400 per month should take effect from 19th October 2024, this being the date specified in the notice.
APPEAL PROVISIONS
These summary reasons are provided to give the parties an indication as to how the Tribunal made its decision. If either party wishes to appeal this decision, they should first make a request for full reasons and the details of how to appeal will be set out in the full reasons. Any request for full reasons should be made within a month. Any subsequent application for permission to appeal should be made on Form RP PTA.
📊 How courts decide similar cases
Among 12 similar decisions in this collection:
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets Market Rent of £280 Per Week for Assured Tenancy
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets New Market Rent for Tenancy
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets Market Rent of £920 for Assured Tenancy
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1,550/month rent for assured tenancy in Paddington
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1,950/month rent for assured tenancy in New Malden
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets £855/month Rent for Assured Tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets £1,300/month Rent for Assured Tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1100/month rent for assured tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £896/month rent for assured tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1350/month rent for assured tenancy in East London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets £560.50 Weekly Rent for Assured Tenancy in Enfield
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) First-tier Tribunal Sets Market Rent at £1,550 for Assured Tenancy
A snapshot of this collection — not a prediction of your case's outcome.
⚖️ What tends to weigh in cases like this
✅ Tends to be accepted
- The tenant is entitled to a fair market rent as determined by the Tribunal.
- The tenant has an assured periodic tenancy.
- The Tribunal's decision sets the fair market rent for the tenancy.
- The tenant's request for a fair market rent is in line with legal standards.
- The Tribunal upholds the tenant’s right to a fair market rent.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What did this decision decide?
The Tribunal set the rent for an assured tenancy at £1,400 per month.
What was the dispute about?
The dispute was over the proposed rent increase from £1,350 to £1,500 per month.
How did the court decide, and why?
The court decided to set the rent at £1,400 per month, considering the property's condition and lack of amenities.
Which laws or rules were applied?
The Housing Act 1988, specifically section 14, was applied.
What was the argument that mattered most?
The argument that mattered most was the condition of the property and the lack of amenities provided by the landlord.
Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?
The decision was for the tenant who brought the case.
What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?
Someone in a similar situation may also have their rent adjusted based on the condition of the property and the amenities provided.
What evidence or documents mattered?
The evidence and documents that mattered included the written submissions from both parties and the inspection of comparable properties.
