Flat 4, 8 Grenville Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2EA HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765

FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL
PROPERTY CHAMBER (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY)
Case No HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765
Between
Mr Richard LalazApplicantMillennium Homes (Eastern) LtdRespondentMr Richard LalazTenantMillennium Homes (Eastern) LtdLandlord
Before
Mr D Cotterell FRICSMr J Reichel BSc MRICSNone for the ApplicantDate 10 November 2025Property: Flat 4, 8 Grenville Street, Bideford, Devon EX39 2EA

DECISION

[1]On 10 November 2025 the Tribunal determined a market rent of £675 per month to take effect from 2 October 2025. Background[2]The case concerned the determination of a market rent for the subject property following a referral of the Landlord’s notice of increase of rent by the Tenant pursuant to sections 13 and 14 Housing Act 1988.[3]On 18 August 2025 the Landlord’s Agent served a notice under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £ 695 per month, in place of the existing rent of £ 675 per month, to take effect from 2 October 2025. The notice complied with the legal requirements.[4]On 22 August 2025 the Tenant applied to the Tribunal under Section 13(4)(a) of the Housing Act 1988. The Application was dated 22 August 2025.[5]The Tribunal does not routinely consider it necessary and proportionate in cases of this nature to undertake inspections or hold Tribunal hearings unless either are specifically requested by either party or a particular point arises which merits such an inspection or hearing.[6]The Tribunal issued Directions on 1 October 2025 informing the parties that, unless either party objected, the Tribunal intended to determine the rent based on written representations; it also provided a blank rent appeal statement proforma for the parties to complete. The parties were invited to make submissions which could include photographs or videos.[7]Both parties submitted papers to the Tribunal which had been copied to the opposing party.[8]Neither party objected to the matter being determined without an inspection or oral hearing, so the Tribunal determined the case on 10 November 2025 based on the written representations received.[9]These reasons address the key issues raised by the parties. They do not recite each and every point referred to either in submissions or during any hearing; however, this does not imply that any points raised, or documents not specifically mentioned were disregarded. If a point or document was referred to in the evidence or submissions that was relevant to a specific issue, then it was considered by the Tribunal. The Tribunal concentrates on those issues which, in its opinion, are fundamental to the application. The Law S14 Determination of Rent by First-tier Tribunal(1) Where, under subsection (4) (a) of section 13 above, a tenant refers to a First-tier Tribunal a notice under subsection (2) of that section, the Tribunal shall determine the rent at which, subject to subsections (2) and (4) below, the Tribunal consider that the dwelling-house concerned might reasonably be expected to be let in the open market by a willing landlord under an assured tenancy- (a) which is a periodic tenancy having the same periods as those of the tenancy to which the notice relates; (b) which begins at the beginning of the new period specified in the notice; (c) the terms of which (other than relating to the amount of the rent) are the same as those of the tenancy to which the notice relates; and (d) in respect of which the same notices, if any, have been given under any of Grounds 1 to 5 of Schedule 2 to this Act, as have been given (or have effect as if given) in relation to the tenancy to which the notice relates.(2) In making a determination under this section, there shall be disregarded- (a) any effect on the rent attributable to the granting of a tenancy to a sitting tenant; (b) any increase in the value of the dwelling-house attributable to a relevant improvement carried out by a person who at the time it was carried out was the tenant, if the improvement- (i) was carried out otherwise than in pursuance of an obligation to his immediate landlord, or (ii) was carried out pursuant to an obligation to his immediate landlord being an obligation which did not relate to the specific improvement concerned but arose by reference to consent given to the carrying out of that improvement; and (c) any reduction in the value of the dwelling-house attributable to a failure by the tenant to comply with any terms of the tenancy.(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above, in relation to a notice which is referred by a tenant as mentioned in subsection (1) above, an improvement is a relevant improvement if either it was carried out during the tenancy to which the notice relates, or the following conditions are satisfied, namely- (a) that it was carried out not more than twenty-one years before the date of service of the notice; and (b) that, at all times during the period beginning when the improvement was carried out and ending on the date of service of the notice, the dwelling-house has been let under an assured tenancy; and (c) that, on the coming to an end of an assured tenancy at any time during that period, the tenant (or, in the case of joint tenants, at least one of them) did not quit.(4) In this section "rent" does not include any service charge, within the meaning of section 18 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, but, subject to that, includes any sums payable by the tenant to the landlord on account of the use of furniture, in respect of council tax or for any of the matters referred to in subsection (1) (a) of that section, whether or not those sums are separate from the sums payable for the occupation. The Property[10]From the information given in the papers, the property comprises an upper maisonette on 3 floors above shop premises, situated in Bideford town centre. There is a range of local shops nearby, supplying most day-to-day necessities.[11]The accommodation includes a Sitting Room, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Outside there is a shared courtyard area.[12]The Property has central heating and double glazing but does not include carpets & curtains. White goods are the Tenant’s. Submissions[13]The tenancy began on 2 May 2020 at a rent of £595 per month.[14]The Landlord’s Agent mentions the replacement of the central heating boiler in April 2024 and submits that they are not aware of any outstanding matters of disrepair, also that problems arising from other tenants’ pets and a leaking WC have been addressed. The Landlord mentions that the Property is the largest unit in the building of which it forms part, and that if marketed it would be with an asking rent in the region of £775.[15]The Landlord provides a collection of comparable 2-bedroom properties including houses and flats in various locations in Bideford.[16]The Tenant confirms the basic information about the accommodation and items included but states that the Property is of a “mid to low end standard of accommodation”. He further submits that it is in a “below average” condition and that common parts of the building smell, a no-pets policy in the building is not enforced and that the double glazing and a Velux window are in disrepair as is a metal staircase. He also mentions poor levels of management oversight.[17]The Tenant provides a number of comparable properties offered to let locally having asking rents of between £700-800 per month.[18]Photographs of the property were included with the Tenant’s statement which illustrate the points made. Consideration and Valuation[19]The Tribunal first considered whether it felt able to reasonably and fairly decide this case based on the papers submitted only with no oral hearing. Having read and considered the papers it decided that it could do so.[20]The Tribunal is required to determine the rent at which the subject property might reasonably be expected to be let in the open market by a willing Landlord under an assured tenancy. The personal circumstances of the Parties are not relevant to this issue.[21]Having carefully considered the representations from the parties and associated correspondence and using its own judgement and knowledge of rental values in Bideford and surrounding areas, the Tribunal decided that the market rent for the subject property if let today in a condition that was usual for such an open market letting would be £750 per month.[22]Such an open market letting would be for a tenantable property in good order with the Landlord responsible for internal decoration and on the basis that carpets, curtains and white goods would all be provided by the Landlord.[23]In the Tribunal’s view, appropriate adjustment to that amount would be required to reflect the Property’s circumstances and to reflect its shortcomings, and the Tribunal used its experience to do so.[24]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. Determination[25]In consideration of the absence of white goods and curtains being provided by the Landlord, as well as the condition of the property, the Tribunal has made a deduction of 10% against the hypothetical value mentioned at 21 above. 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 £675 per month.[26]The Tribunal directed that the new rent of £675 per month should take effect from 2 October 2025 this being the date specified in the notice. RIGHTS OF APPEAL[1]A person wishing to appeal this decision to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) must seek permission to do so by making written application to the First-tier Tribunal at the Regional office which has been dealing with the case. Where possible you should send your application for permission to appeal by email to rpsouthern@justice.gov.uk as this will enable the First-tier Tribunal Regional office to deal with it more efficiently.[2]The application must arrive at the Tribunal within 28 days after the Tribunal sends to the person making the application written reasons for the decision.[3]If the person wishing to appeal does not comply with the 28-day time limit, the person shall include with the application for permission to appeal a request for an extension of time and the reason for not complying with the 28-day time limit; the Tribunal will then decide whether to extend time or not to allow the application for permission to appeal to proceed.[4]The application for permission to appeal must identify the decision of the Tribunal to which it relates, state the grounds of appeal, and state the result the party making the application is seeking.[5]Either party seeking to appeal a decision are referred to form RPPTA. --- decision_2.pdf --- © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2025 FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL PROPERTY CHAMBER (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY) Case Reference : HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765 Property : Flat 4, 8 Grenville Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2EA Applicant Tenant : Mr Richard Lalaz Representative : None Respondent Landlord : Millennium Homes (Eastern) Ltd Representative : None Type of Application : Determination of a Market Rent sections 13 & 14 of the Housing Act 1988 Tribunal Members : Mr D Cotterell FRICS Mr J Reichel BSc MRICS Date of Inspection : None, determined on the papers Date of Decision : 10 November 2025 DECISION HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765 2 Summary of Decision[1]On 10 November 2025 the Tribunal determined a market rent of £675 per month to take effect from 2 October 2025. Background[2]The case concerned the determination of a market rent for the subject property following a referral of the Landlord’s notice of increase of rent by the Tenant pursuant to sections 13 and 14 Housing Act 1988.[3]On 18 August 2025 the Landlord’s Agent served a notice under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £ 695 per month, in place of the existing rent of £ 675 per month, to take effect from 2 October 2025. The notice complied with the legal requirements.[4]On 22 August 2025 the Tenant applied to the Tribunal under Section 13(4)(a) of the Housing Act 1988. The Application was dated 22 August 2025.[5]The Tribunal does not routinely consider it necessary and proportionate in cases of this nature to undertake inspections or hold Tribunal hearings unless either are specifically requested by either party or a particular point arises which merits such an inspection or hearing.[6]The Tribunal issued Directions on 1 October 2025 informing the parties that, unless either party objected, the Tribunal intended to determine the rent based on written representations; it also provided a blank rent appeal statement proforma for the parties to complete. The parties were invited to make submissions which could include photographs or videos.[7]Both parties submitted papers to the Tribunal which had been copied to the opposing party.[8]Neither party objected to the matter being determined without an inspection or oral hearing, so the Tribunal determined the case on 10 November 2025 based on the written representations received.[9]These reasons address the key issues raised by the parties. They do not recite each and every point referred to either in submissions or during any hearing; however, this does not imply that any points raised, or documents not specifically mentioned were disregarded. If a point or document was referred to in the evidence or submissions that was relevant to a specific issue, then it was considered by the Tribunal. The Tribunal concentrates on those issues which, in its opinion, are fundamental to the application. HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765 3 The Law S14 Determination of Rent by First-tier Tribunal(1) Where, under subsection (4) (a) of section 13 above, a tenant refers to a First-tier Tribunal a notice under subsection (2) of that section, the Tribunal shall determine the rent at which, subject to subsections (2) and (4) below, the Tribunal consider that the dwelling-house concerned might reasonably be expected to be let in the open market by a willing landlord under an assured tenancy- (a) which is a periodic tenancy having the same periods as those of the tenancy to which the notice relates; (b) which begins at the beginning of the new period specified in the notice; (c) the terms of which (other than relating to the amount of the rent) are the same as those of the tenancy to which the notice relates; and (d) in respect of which the same notices, if any, have been given under any of Grounds 1 to 5 of Schedule 2 to this Act, as have been given (or have effect as if given) in relation to the tenancy to which the notice relates.(2) In making a determination under this section, there shall be disregarded- (a) any effect on the rent attributable to the granting of a tenancy to a sitting tenant; (b) any increase in the value of the dwelling-house attributable to a relevant improvement carried out by a person who at the time it was carried out was the tenant, if the improvement- (i) was carried out otherwise than in pursuance of an obligation to his immediate landlord, or (ii) was carried out pursuant to an obligation to his immediate landlord being an obligation which did not relate to the specific improvement concerned but arose by reference to consent given to the carrying out of that improvement; and (c) any reduction in the value of the dwelling-house attributable to a failure by the tenant to comply with any terms of the tenancy.(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above, in relation to a notice which is referred by a tenant as mentioned in subsection (1) above, an improvement is a relevant improvement if either it was carried out during the tenancy to which the notice relates, or the following conditions are satisfied, namely- HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765 4 (a) that it was carried out not more than twenty-one years before the date of service of the notice; and (b) that, at all times during the period beginning when the improvement was carried out and ending on the date of service of the notice, the dwelling- house has been let under an assured tenancy; and (c) that, on the coming to an end of an assured tenancy at any time during that period, the tenant (or, in the case of joint tenants, at least one of them) did not quit.(4) In this section "rent" does not include any service charge, within the meaning of section 18 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, but, subject to that, includes any sums payable by the tenant to the landlord on account of the use of furniture, in respect of council tax or for any of the matters referred to in subsection (1) (a) of that section, whether or not those sums are separate from the sums payable for the occupation. The Property[10]From the information given in the papers, the property comprises an upper maisonette on 3 floors above shop premises, situated in Bideford town centre. There is a range of local shops nearby, supplying most day-to-day necessities.[11]The accommodation includes a Sitting Room, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Outside there is a shared courtyard area.[12]The Property has central heating and double glazing but does not include carpets & curtains. White goods are the Tenant’s. Submissions[13]The tenancy began on 2 May 2020 at a rent of £595 per month.[14]The Landlord’s Agent mentions the replacement of the central heating boiler in April 2024 and submits that they are not aware of any outstanding matters of disrepair, also that problems arising from other tenants’ pets and a leaking WC have been addressed. The Landlord mentions that the Property is the largest unit in the building of which it forms part, and that if marketed it would be with an asking rent in the region of £775.[15]The Landlord provides a collection of comparable 2-bedroom properties including houses and flats in various locations in Bideford.[16]The Tenant confirms the basic information about the accommodation and items included but states that the Property is of a “mid to low end standard of accommodation”. He further submits that it is in a “below average” condition HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765 5 and that common parts of the building smell, a no-pets policy in the building is not enforced and that the double glazing and a Velux window are in disrepair as is a metal staircase. He also mentions poor levels of management oversight.[17]The Tenant provides a number of comparable properties offered to let locally having asking rents of between £700-800 per month.[18]Photographs of the property were included with the Tenant’s statement which illustrate the points made. Consideration and Valuation[19]The Tribunal first considered whether it felt able to reasonably and fairly decide this case based on the papers submitted only with no oral hearing. Having read and considered the papers it decided that it could do so.[20]The Tribunal is required to determine the rent at which the subject property might reasonably be expected to be let in the open market by a willing Landlord under an assured tenancy. The personal circumstances of the Parties are not relevant to this issue.[21]Having carefully considered the representations from the parties and associated correspondence and using its own judgement and knowledge of rental values in Bideford and surrounding areas, the Tribunal decided that the market rent for the subject property if let today in a condition that was usual for such an open market letting would be £750 per month.[22]Such an open market letting would be for a tenantable property in good order with the Landlord responsible for internal decoration and on the basis that carpets, curtains and white goods would all be provided by the Landlord.[23]In the Tribunal’s view, appropriate adjustment to that amount would be required to reflect the Property’s circumstances and to reflect its shortcomings, and the Tribunal used its experience to do so.[24]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. HAV/18UK/MNR/2025/0765 6 Determination[25]In consideration of the absence of white goods and curtains being provided by the Landlord, as well as the condition of the property, the Tribunal has made a deduction of 10% against the hypothetical value mentioned at 21 above. 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 £675 per month.[26]The Tribunal directed that the new rent of £675 per month should take effect from 2 October 2025 this being the date specified in the notice. RIGHTS OF APPEAL[1]A person wishing to appeal this decision to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) must seek permission to do so by making written application to the First-tier Tribunal at the Regional office which has been dealing with the case. Where possible you should send your application for permission to appeal by email to rpsouthern@justice.gov.uk as this will enable the First-tier Tribunal Regional office to deal with it more efficiently.[2]The application must arrive at the Tribunal within 28 days after the Tribunal sends to the person making the application written reasons for the decision.[3]If the person wishing to appeal does not comply with the 28-day time limit, the person shall include with the application for permission to appeal a request for an extension of time and the reason for not complying with the 28-day time limit; the Tribunal will then decide whether to extend time or not to allow the application for permission to appeal to proceed.[4]The application for permission to appeal must identify the decision of the Tribunal to which it relates, state the grounds of appeal, and state the result the party making the application is seeking.[5]Either party seeking to appeal a decision are referred to form RPPTA.