16 Heathcote Street, Stone, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6GT: HAV/29UD/MNR/2025/0815 HAV/29UD/MNR/2025/0815
REASONS
[1]On 14th November 2025, the Landlord’s Agent served a notice under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £2,425.00 per calendar month (“pcm”) in place of the existing rent of £2,275.00 pcm to take effect from 1st February 2026.[2]On 17h November 2025, 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.[3]The assured shorthold tenancy commenced on 1st February 2025 for a term of 12 months. The rental period is monthly. Allocation of Repairs between Landlord and Tenant.[4]As per section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Services Charges or furniture provided by Landlord (other than carpets and curtain and white goods specified below) and the costs relating to the same.[5]No additional charges. Liability for Council Tax[6]The Tenant is responsible for the payment of Council Tax in respect of the Property. The rent determined is exclusive of Council Tax. Any other terms of the tenancy taken into consideration in determining the rent.[7]None Inspection/Hearing[8]Neither party requested an oral hearing. The Tribunal has considered this case on the basis of the papers provided by the parties and its own knowledge and specialist expertise. The Property[9]The Property is a detached ‘Shamrock’ style house within a nearly new development of 98 residential properties all of which are owned and operated by the Landlord, offering the following accommodation: Hall, cloakroom with WC, living room, kitchen/diner, utility room, 2 double bedrooms (one with ensuite shower room), single bedroom and bathroom with WC. Outside: Parking space for 2 cars, gardens. The Property benefits from heating from an electric air source heat pump, double glazing, free Broadband and a dedicated property manager for the whole development. The Energy Performance Rating is ‘B’. The Property is situated approximately 1.5 miles east of the centre of Dartford, close to parkland, local amenities and excellent transport links. Evidence The Tenant.[10]The Tenant made the following comments: a) In her application the Tenant states that the Notice may not comply with statutory requirements but does not explain why she thinks this to be the case. The Tribunal has not found any shortcomings in the Notice. b) The Tenant did not provide any evidence of rents agreed for similar properties. The Landlord[11]The following comments were made by the Landlord’s Agent: a) The Agent states that at the time of writing there are 14 comparable homes on the site of which 11 are occupied. b) The Agent had completed three new lettings on this house type between 1st September 2025 and 21st January 2026 at £2,400 pcm and completed one renewal tenancy agreement between 1st August 2025 and 21st January 2025 at £2,400. c) The Agent also provided details of similar properties to rent available on Zoopla or Rightmove with asking rents between £2,440 and £3,500 per month. d) In his statement of 21st January 2026 the Agent suggests that the proposed rent of £2,425 with effect from February 2026 is consistent with the anticipated open market rental of the property, taking into account projected rental growth into 2026. Determination and Valuation[12]The Tribunal determines that there is no defect in the Notice of rent increase.[13]The Tribunal considers that there is a particular micro market for rental properties on this development. The homes are nearly new and energy efficient.[14]The only evidence provided of actual rents achieved are recent lettings and renewals arranged by the Agent all at a rent of £2,400 per month. The Tribunal will not assess a rent based on projected future increases in the market.[15]Relying on its own expert, general knowledge of rental values in the area, and the comparable evidence provided by the Parties, the Tribunal considers that the market rental of the subject property is £2,400 per month. Market rent £2,400 pcm Undue hardship[12]The new rent takes effect from the date specified in the Landlord’s Notice of Increase unless that would cause undue hardship to the tenant. In cases of undue hardship, the Tribunal has a discretion to fix a later starting date up to the date a Tribunal makes its determination.[13]No evidence of undue hardship was provided. Decision[14]Therefore, the Tribunal determines the market rent at £2,400 per calendar month with effect from 1st February 2026. APPEAL PROVISIONS If either party is dissatisfied with this decision, they may apply for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) on any point of law arising from this Decision. Prior to making such an appeal, an application must be made, in writing, to this Tribunal for permission to appeal. Any such application must be made within 28 days of the issue of this statement of reasons (regulation 52 (2) of The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 2013) stating the grounds upon which it is intended to rely in the appeal.