A private tenant living in Thamesmead managed to knock £100 off their monthly rent after taking their landlords to a property tribunal over their demands for higher monthly payments.
A first tier property tribunal ruled that while a rise was fair, it should be reduced because the tenant had improved the property, and there was some general wear and tear.
However, the tenant will still have to pay £3,000 more in rent payments every year with the cost going up £250 a month. On November 13, 2024, landlords Toyin and Mobolanle Sodunke sought to raise the rent at the property in Greenhaven Drive from £1,400 to £1,750 per month.
The tenant at the property in Greenwich borough, Anthonia Iyio, then sought a determination of the market rent from a residential property tribunal under a month later on December 4.
Tribunal members considered written submissions and photographs from both parties, the tenancy agreement and details of comparable properties provided by the landlords’ agent. Tribunal members inspected the property on April 14, 2025 in the presence of Miss Iyio.
The terraced house was described in the report: “The property is a mid-terrace modern estate house built around 2001 with allocated parking and a rear garden. On the ground floor is a living room and kitchen. The first floor comprises two bedrooms and a bathroom/WC.
“The property is in a condition consistent with its age and form of construction. During the tenancy, the tenant has undertaken various improvements such as replacement door and window handles, smoke detector and towel rail. The landlord provided carpets, and white goods, with the exception of fridge and curtains.”
The tribunal, using its “expert, general knowledge of rental values in the Thamesmead area”, considered that the open market rent for the property if it were in “good marketable condition” complete with modern furnishings and amenities would be £1,700 per month.
This figure was reduced to £1,650 by the tribunal to allow for improvements carried out by Miss Iyio and the general “wear and tear” to decorations and fittings.
The tribunal made its decision on April 14, 2025 meaning the new rent for the house was set at £1,650 per month backdated to December 29, 2024. This means Miss Iyio’s annual rent has risen from £16,800 to £19,800 per year.
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