6 Carlyle Close West Molesey Surrey KT8 1SX HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801

FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL
PROPERTY CHAMBER (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY)
Case No HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801
Between
Ms Georgie Lainton-BucknerApplicantMs Philippa MartinRespondentMs Georgie Lainton-BucknerTenantMs Philippa MartinLandlord
Before
Mr D Cotterell FRICSMiss C Barton BSc MRICSNone for the ApplicantDate 20 January 2026Property: 6 Carlyle Close, West Molesey, Surrey, KT8 1SX

DECISION

[1]On 20 January 2026 the Tribunal determined a market rent of £1630 per month to take effect from 15 December 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 27 October 2025 the Landlord served a notice (Form 4) under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £ 1750 per month, in place of the existing rent of £ 1200 per month, to take effect from 15 December 2025. The notice complied with the legal requirements.[4]On the same day, the Tenant applied to the Tribunal under Section 13(4)(a) of the Housing Act 1988.[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 5 November 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 28 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 a purpose built maisonette in a modern development.[11]The Property is located at Hurst Park close to local amenities including a supermarket.[12]The accommodation includes a sitting room, kitchen, dining room / 3rd bedroom, bathroom, & 2 principal bedrooms. Externally there is reported to be on-street parking.[13]The property has central heating and double glazing. The Landlord provides a cooker, fridge freezer and carpets; the Tenant has provided her own washing machine. Submissions[14]The tenancy began on 15 April 2023 at a rent of £1200 per month.[15]The Landlord refers the property as extending to 83m2 and being conveniently located for Molesey village, schools, a sports centre (reported to be closing down shortly) & pool; it is also near Hampton Court Station and bus routes to Kingston and Walton on Thames.[16]The Landlord submits evidence of a similar property on Carlyle Close letting in October 2025 at £1750 per month.[17]The Tenant confirms the basic information about the accommodation and items included, notably that the washing machine was provided by her. She also submits that the property is in considerable disrepair, with threadbare carpets, broken and loose kitchen fitments and a broken shower pump that leaks.[18]The Tenant refers to some issues which are personal to her circumstances; these cannot be taken into account by the Tribunal.[19]The Tenant has not provided any comparable rents in the area.[20]Photographs of the property were included with the Tenant’s statement which illustrate the points made. In addition, the parties made further submissions to the Tribunal at a late stage comprising additional photographic evidence and a property inspection report dated the 4 November 2025. The Tribunal also had regard to this information in its assessments. Consideration and Valuation[21]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.[22]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.[23]Having carefully considered the representations from the parties and associated correspondence and using its own judgement and knowledge of rental values in West Molesey 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 £1750 per month.[24]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.[25]The Tribunal does not consider that the condition of the property or the fittings supplied are sufficient to justify a rent of £1750 and therefore that amount needs to be adjusted to reflect shortcomings.[26]Using its experience the Tribunal decided that the following adjustments should be made: Tenant’s provision of washing machine £ 10 / month Bathroom disrepair £ 30 / month Kitchen disrepair £ 30 / month Electrical installation disrepair £ 50 / month ____ TOTAL deduction per month £ 120 / month[27]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[28]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 £1630 per month.[29]The Tribunal directed that the new rent of £1630 per month should take effect from date 15 December 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 2026 FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL PROPERTY CHAMBER (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY) Case Reference : HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 Property : 6 Carlyle Close West Molesey Surrey KT8 1SX Applicant Tenant : Ms Georgie Lainton-Buckner Representative : None Respondent Landlord : Ms Philippa Martin Representative : None Type of Application : Determination of a Market Rent sections 13 & 14 of the Housing Act 1988 Tribunal Members : Mr D Cotterell FRICS Miss C Barton BSc MRICS Date of Inspection : None, determined on the papers Date of Decision : 20 January 2026 DECISION HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 2 Summary of Decision[1]On 20 January 2026 the Tribunal determined a market rent of £1630 per month to take effect from 15 December 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 27 October 2025 the Landlord served a notice (Form 4) under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £ 1750 per month, in place of the existing rent of £ 1200 per month, to take effect from 15 December 2025. The notice complied with the legal requirements.[4]On the same day, the Tenant applied to the Tribunal under Section 13(4)(a) of the Housing Act 1988.[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 5 November 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 28 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/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 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/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 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 a purpose built maisonette in a modern development.[11]The Property is located at Hurst Park close to local amenities including a supermarket.[12]The accommodation includes a sitting room, kitchen, dining room / 3rd bedroom, bathroom, & 2 principal bedrooms. Externally there is reported to be on-street parking.[13]The property has central heating and double glazing. The Landlord provides a cooker, fridge freezer and carpets; the Tenant has provided her own washing machine. Submissions[14]The tenancy began on 15 April 2023 at a rent of £1200 per month.[15]The Landlord refers the property as extending to 83m2 and being conveniently located for Molesey village, schools, a sports centre (reported to be closing down shortly) & pool; it is also near Hampton Court Station and bus routes to Kingston and Walton on Thames.[16]The Landlord submits evidence of a similar property on Carlyle Close letting in October 2025 at £1750 per month. HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 5[17]The Tenant confirms the basic information about the accommodation and items included, notably that the washing machine was provided by her. She also submits that the property is in considerable disrepair, with threadbare carpets, broken and loose kitchen fitments and a broken shower pump that leaks.[18]The Tenant refers to some issues which are personal to her circumstances; these cannot be taken into account by the Tribunal.[19]The Tenant has not provided any comparable rents in the area.[20]Photographs of the property were included with the Tenant’s statement which illustrate the points made. In addition, the parties made further submissions to the Tribunal at a late stage comprising additional photographic evidence and a property inspection report dated the 4 November 2025. The Tribunal also had regard to this information in its assessments. Consideration and Valuation[21]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.[22]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.[23]Having carefully considered the representations from the parties and associated correspondence and using its own judgement and knowledge of rental values in West Molesey 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 £1750 per month.[24]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.[25]The Tribunal does not consider that the condition of the property or the fittings supplied are sufficient to justify a rent of £1750 and therefore that amount needs to be adjusted to reflect shortcomings. HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 6[26]Using its experience the Tribunal decided that the following adjustments should be made: Tenant’s provision of washing machine £ 10 / month Bathroom disrepair £ 30 / month Kitchen disrepair £ 30 / month Electrical installation disrepair £ 50 / month ____ TOTAL deduction per month £ 120 / month[27]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[28]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 £1630 per month.[29]The Tribunal directed that the new rent of £1630 per month should take effect from date 15 December 2025 this being the date specified in the notice. HAV/43UB/MNR/2025/0801 7 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.