The Aberdeen Law Project (“ALP”) is pleased to report that it has successfully reduced its client’s rent by winning a fair rent dispute case in the First-tier Housing Tribunal for Scotland.
Student Steven Pears and the team at ALP successfully argued that the client’s initial rent was unfair. The initial fair rent assessment raised the client’s rent despite there being no renovations to the property or change in the Aberdeen property market in the three years prior. Following an application to the First-tier Housing Tribunal, Steven submitted factors for a reduced rent such as Private Sector Rent Statistics, comparison to neighbouring properties, and a lack of maintenance by the Landlord. After a hearing with the Tribunal he secured a 14% rent reduction for the client.
The client said: “Aberdeen Law Project. Well done; but where can we start to express our gratitude for your tenacious and dogged resolve which you collectively applied to the pursuit of justice for our friend in his most recent tenancy dispute with his Landlord. I state, "most recent", because this is not the first time that [he] has benefited from the resource which you have created.
“Steven and Sophie who have been excellent communicators throughout, have kept us up to date with developments at all times. We have recently learned that the team behind them was an extensive one and our acknowledgement must be extended to Ruth Dale, Antonia Andison and Hannah Bartlett, all of whom assisted in advisory and supervisory roles. Our thanks, on behalf of our friend, go to all.”
Lead advisor Steven said: “When I was appointed to this case and conducted the initial meeting with the client, I knew it was a case the Aberdeen Law Project’s representation team could assist with. I am very happy with the result achieved for the client, involving a hearing with the First-Tier Housing Tribunal for Scotland and a subsequent appeal. The case occurred at a time when the housing sector, especially tenants, were being heavily impacted by COVID–19 and the energy crisis. To be able to secure such a positive result and take some of the pressure off our client was a great achievement.”
ALP assists in a range of Landlord disputes, such as rent issues, deposit retention, surcharges, claims for damages, maintenance and unfair eviction. If you require assistance in a Landlord dispute and cannot afford a solicitor, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential conversation to see if we can help. If we are unable to act on your behalf, we will endeavour to recommend another organisation or law firm that is able to assist you. Please contact us by phone (01224 272 434) or by email (representation@abdnlawproject.com).
ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.
