Residential Property Disputes

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Advising landlords and tenants on possession proceedings, rent arrears recovery, tenancy breaches such as alterations without consent or disrepair and Party Wall (Etc) Act issues.  We deal with these matters from the outset, advising you on your position and the options available, through to issuing or defending proceedings where necessary. We will guide you on the most effective route to resolution, whether that is early settlement or taking decisive action to protect your position.

Boundary and Neighbour Disputes

Advising on boundary disagreements, rights of way, easements, adverse possession, restrictive covenants and other disputes between neighbouring property owners.  We will review title documents and other evidence, work with specialist surveyors where needed, and advise you on your options.  Please see our Real Land Disputes page for more details.

Trespass, Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour

Supporting clients in claims involving trespass, nuisance, breaches of quiet enjoyment and anti-social behaviour.  We will advise you on your rights and the available remedies, including injunctive relief where appropriate, and act quickly to prevent issues escalating.

Service Charge Disputes

Acting for landlords, managing agents and leaseholders in disputes over liability for and the reasonableness of service charges, major works, costs and consultation requirements.  We will review the lease and supporting documentation, assess whether charges are recoverable and advise you on your prospects.  Where disputes arise, we will assist with negotiation or tribunal proceedings to achieve a sensible outcome.

Party Wall (Etc) Act 1996

We can advise and deal with party wall disputes and work with specialist surveyors to ensure that your rights are protected, whether you are a Building Owner who is being challenged by a neighbour, or if you are an Adjoining Building Owner who believes that your rights are being prejudiced.   We have experience in dealing with these issues which may involve court proceedings if necessary.

Service Occupancies

We act for various educational establishments on service occupancies and licences to occupy where the accommodation is linked to or required for employment.

We can advise you if you have such needs, and we work closely with our employment team to give you a comprehensive service.  This includes drafting precedents for you to use, through to seeking and taking possession or amanaged exit.

Leasehold Property Disputes

Advising on and resolving disputes arising under long residential leases, including breaches of covenant, forfeiture, alterations, lease interpretation and enforcement issues.  We will review the lease in detail to establish your rights and obligations, advise you on enforcement options and take the appropriate steps to protect your position, including court or tribunal proceedings where required.

The Right of First Refusal (Landlord and Tenant Act 1987)

We advise landlords and tenants on whether the right of first refusal applies, how to comply with the statutory requirements and the implications of getting it wrong.

We can manage the process for you, including service of notices and dealing with claims where the correct procedure has not been followed.

Trespass and Nuisance Claims

Advising on disputes where misleading or inaccurate information has been provided in connection with the sale or letting of residential property.

We will review the relevant documentation, including replies to enquiries and any supporting information, to assess whether a misrepresentation has occurred and what loss may have been suffered.

We will advise you on your options and handle the matter appropriately, whether that involves seeking a negotiated resolution or pursuing a claim to recover your losses.