Rent Determination for Assured Shorthold Tenancy Judged by First-tier Tribunal
📌 In brief
The First-tier Tribunal decided on the rent for an assured shorthold tenancy, setting the monthly rent at £585.00, excluding utilities and council tax. The decision also clarified the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant regarding repairs and utilities.
⚖️ Legal holding
A tenant is entitled to have their rent set according to the Housing Act 1988.
📖 What the law says
Under the Housing Act 1988, section 14 allows a tenant under an assured tenancy to apply to a tribunal to challenge the rent payable under the tenancy. However, the application cannot be made if the rent is based on a previous determination under this section or if more than six months have passed since the start of the tenancy. Additionally, a tenant can also challenge a new rent proposed in a notice under sections 13(2) or 13A(2). When determining the rent, the tribunal considers what a willing landlord would charge for a similar tenancy in the open market.
Plain-English explanation — does not replace advice from a solicitor.
📖 Technical summary
The Tribunal determined the rent for an assured shorthold tenancy and outlined the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant.
📜 Headnote Official document
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) determined the rent for an assured shorthold tenancy, setting the monthly rent at £585.00, excluding utility bills and council tax, and allocating repair liabilities as per the agreement.
📚 Full judgment Official document
OUTCOME: Allowed
MR22 First-tier Tribunal – Property Chamber File Ref No. MAN/16UG/MNR/2024/0003 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 [ADDRESS] [POSTCODE]
[NAME]
Landlord [RESPONDENT] [COMPANY], 60 Stramongate Kendal [POSTCODE]
Tenant [NAME] [APPELLANT]
1. The rent is: £ £585.00 Per Calendar Month (excluding payment of council tax, and all utility bills for water and internet/broadband, and gas and electricity (on what is described as a fair use policy) the charges for which are the landlord’s responsibility).
2. The date the decision takes effect is: 25 January 2024
3. Date assured shorthold tenancy commenced 25 September 2020
4. Length of the term or rental period Monthly
5. Allocation of liability for repairs As per the assured shorthold tenancy agreement dated 25 September 2020 and Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
6. Furniture provided by landlord or superior landlord A bed, wardrobe, small chest of drawers, bedside table, and chair (and various white goods within the property for shared use)
7. Description of premises A single room within a traditional stone-built, slate roofed end terraced Lakeland townhouse which is now used as a House in Multiple Occupation understood to contain 13 separate letting rooms and to be licensed for up to 16 occupants. The Tenant is entitled under his tenancy to the shared use of kitchen, toilet and shower facilities within the property.
[NAME] of Decision 29 January 2024
📊 How courts decide similar cases
Among 12 similar decisions in this collection:
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £560/month rent for assured tenancy in Gateshead
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1350/month rent for assured tenancy in Sheffield
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £202.50 weekly rent for assured tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal Sets £366.75/week Rent for Assured Tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal confirms £575/month rent for assured tenancy in Sunderland
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1280/month rent for assured tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £600/month rent for assured tenancy in Manchester
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £1400/month rent for assured tenancy in Ealing
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £750/month rent for assured tenancy in London
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £900/month rent for assured tenancy in Bacup
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Tribunal sets £435/month rent for assured periodic tenancy in Gateshead
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 have their rent set according to the Housing Act 1988.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What did this decision decide?
It set the monthly rent at £585.00 for an assured shorthold tenancy.
Who was involved?
The landlord and the tenant were involved.
How did the court decide, and why?
The court decided based on the Housing Act 1988, ensuring the rent was fair and reasonable.
Which laws or rules were applied?
The Housing Act 1988 Section 14 was applied.
What was the argument that mattered most?
The argument centered around the fairness of the rent and the responsibilities of both parties.
Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?
The decision was for the tenant, confirming the rent and responsibilities.
What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?
Someone in a similar situation should ensure their rent is fair and that responsibilities are clearly defined.
What evidence or documents mattered?
The tenancy agreement and relevant sections of the Housing Act 1988 were crucial.
Can a decision like this be appealed?
Yes, decisions like this can be appealed to a higher court.
Is it worth getting a solicitor for a case like this?
It is recommended to seek advice from a qualified solicitor for such cases.