Automated Summary
Key Facts
Mr Keith Prout (Applicant) requested a determination of the market rent for 8 Bailey Close Haverhill Suffolk CB9 0LH under Section 14 of the Housing Act 1988. The Tribunal, chaired by Mrs E Flint FRICS, decided on 21 October 2021 that the market rent should be £475 per month, effective from 9 July 2021. The landlord had proposed a £485 monthly rent increase, but the Tribunal adjusted this based on available evidence and local rental market knowledge.
Issues
The Tribunal was required to determine the market rent for a room in a shared house in Haverhill under Section 14 of the Housing Act 1988, following a landlord's proposed rent increase from £445 to £485 per month. The tenant disputed the 10% increase, arguing for 5%, while the landlord cited rising utility costs and recent property improvements. The decision concluded the market rent was £475 per month as of 9 July 2021, based on the Tribunal's assessment of local rental values.
Holdings
The Tribunal determined the market rent for the subject property to be £475 per month with effect from 9 July 2021, in accordance with the landlord's notice. This decision was made remotely on the papers following written representations from both parties.
Remedies
The Tribunal determined the market rent for the property to be £475 per month with effect from 9 July 2021, in accordance with the landlord's notice. This decision was made following a remote hearing on the papers as no face-to-face hearing was requested or required.
Legal Principles
The Tribunal applied Section 14 of the Housing Act 1988, specifically subsections (1) and (2)(b), to determine the market rent and disregard the effect of relevant tenant's improvements on the rental value.
Cited Statute
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- Housing Act 1988
Judge Name
Mrs E Flint
Passage Text
- The market rent as at 9 September 2021 is £475 per month.
- I have concluded that the rent at which the room might reasonably be expected to be let on the open market is £1100 per month.
- In coming to my decision, as neither party supplied any evidence I have relied on the my own general knowledge of rental levels in Haverhill.