Mr M AdamsApplicantJ49 LimitedRespondentMs L ThorntonTenant14 New King Street, Deptford, London,Landlord
Before
ChairmanMr N Robinson FRICS – ValuerMember5 March 2026Date 5 March 2026Property: Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 1FP Mr M AdamsType of application: sections 13 & 14 of the Housing Act 1988 Regional Surveyor J Coupe FRICS –
REASONS
[1]On 2 December 2025, the Landlord served a notice under Section 13(2) of the Housing Act 1988 which proposed a new rent of £551.82 per week in place of the existing rent of £145.46 per week to take effect from 1 February 2026.[2]On 23 December 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 tenancy commenced on 1 October 2023 for a term of 6 months. The rental period is monthly. Allocation of Repairs between Landlord and Tenant.[4]As per 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 fixed service charge is included in the rent.[6]No furniture is provided by the Landlord. Liability for Council Tax[7]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.[8]None Inspection/Hearing[9]The Tribunal carried out an inspection of the Property on 19 February 2026 in the presence of the Tenant and his representative, Ms Thornton. The Landlord was notified of the inspection but did not attend.[10]Neither party requested an oral hearing and nor did the Tribunal consider a hearing necessary. Accordingly, the Tribunal has considered the application on the basis of an inspection, the papers provided by the parties, and its own knowledge and specialist expertise. The Property[11]The Property was found to be a first floor flat forming part of a three-storey building, offering the following accommodation: Hall, open plan lounge/kitchen, one bedroom, and bathroom with full suite. Outside: No parking. No garden.[12]The Property benefits from gas fired central heating to radiators and double glazing.[13]The Property is situated in a mixed residential and commercial area, within close proximity of local amenities, shopping facilities and the seafront. The Property fronts a busy road and is close to a junction, creating some noise disturbance. Local public transport links, including a railway and bus station are within walking distance.[14]The exterior of the windows was noted to be in want of repair and redecoration. Evidence[15]Both the Tenant and the Landlord returned the Tribunal’s Reply forms. The Tenant[16]The Tenant made the following comments: a) All white goods, including a replacement oven, and curtains are provided by the tenant. b) The exterior of the timber windows require maintenance, including to flaked paintwork – photographs provided. Modern double glazing would be beneficial. c) The bathroom fittings are satisfactory. Kitchen space is limited. d) Two online advertisements of properties to rent in Bognor Regis were provided by way of comparable rental evidence. The first comparable, a one bedroom top-floor flat in Longford Road, was advertised at £850 per month (£196/week). The property is situated within a modern four-storey block and provides UPVC double glazing, under floor heating, communal lift, garden, bike facility and is described as “well-presented”. The second comparable is a one bedroom, ground floor flat within a three-storey building in Steyne Street. The property is advertised as including white goods and is described as “modern throughout”. Allocated parking included. Asking rent £900 per month (£208/week). The Landlord[17]The Landlord made the following comments: a) J49 became the landlord of the Property with effect from 1 December 2025. They are not aware of any material improvements to the Property since such date. b) The Landlord states that “Stock condition survey programme has been procured and contractor mobilisation is underway.” c) Accommodation and provision of white goods are confirmed as per the Tenant’s statement. d) The property has no double glazing. e) No comparable rental evidence was submitted. f) The Tribunal notes that the Landlord does not dispute the Tenant’s statement regarding the condition of the windows. Determination and Valuation[18]The tenant submitted two online advertisements as comparable rental evidence. Although the second property was marked “Let Agreed”, the agreed rent was not provided. The Tribunal finds that both comparables are in a superior condition and level of modernisation when compared to the subject Property, and each includes white goods. Additionally, the Steyne Street property benefits from allocated parking, which the subject Property lacks. The Tribunal considers both comparables to be of some assistance; however, in the absence of the agreed rental figure, neither can be regarded as fully reliable.[19]Having regard to the comparables provided by the tenant and weighing these against the Tribunal’s own expert, general knowledge of rental values in the area, the Tribunal considers that the market rental of the subject Property modernised and in good order, would be in the order of £825.00 pcm. This is the rent we would expect the property to let for in the open market if it was in the same general condition as the comparable properties, including having white goods, and curtains provided by the landlord.[20]From this level of rent, the Tribunal has made an adjustment in relation to the following: a) Tenant’s provision of white goods, including oven. b) Tenant’s provision of curtains. c) Disrepair and lack of maintenance to windows. The full valuation is shown below: Starting Rent £825.00 pcm Less a) Items given under a) above £30.00 b) Items given under b) above £10.00 c) Items given under c) above £25.00£65.00 Market rent £760.00 pcm Undue hardship[21]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.[22]The Tenant has not made any submissions concerning hardship.[23]The new rent will take effect from the date proposed by the Landlord in the Section 13 Notice, such being 1 February 2026. Decision[24]The Tribunal determines the market rent at £760.00 per calendar month, equating to £175.38 per week, with effect from 1 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.