Objection to registered rent set by fair rent officer

Tenancy Types and Management

I have had an objection by my elderly protected tenant (who has been for many years in rent arrears) to a rent increase that was determined by the rent officer. I would like some advice on how to deal with this.

In the correspondence the rent tribunal forwarded to me there is a lot regarding a gas fireplace I had installed to replace her broken gas fire. This was not a legal requirement. She was involved in the decision making process but has objected profusely to it once it was installed and claims it was installed without her acceptance. She claims it is faulty and unsuitable. There is no basis other than her own claims. She wont allow engineers to inspect it as she states they will remove evidence.

She also claims that we do not repair and maintain the property adequately although we are unable to do so as many of the works she will not allow. She claims we are preparing the property for when she is gone or wont allow the work to proceed as it will disrupt her well being.

The story regarding these issues (amongst others) and our relations with this tenant is a long and troublesome one.

I am not sure how to approach the rent tribunal.

Any advice on what will get a verdict in my favor?