Landlord and Tenant Disputes
Resolving landlord and tenant disputes
Unfortunately, disputes between landlords and tenants are common. If you're a landlord or a tenant, it is important to understand the most common disputes and the most effective way to resolve them.
The most common disputes often relate to:
- Rent issues such as late payment, rent arrears, service changes or conflicts over rent increases.
- Property maintenance disputes occur when there is conflict over whether the landlord or the tenant is responsible for repairs.
- Disputes over deposits, mainly whether a landlord can make deductions for unpaid bills and damages.
- Conflicts over evictions and ensuring the correct procedures are followed.
- Noise and nuisance behaviour cause issues between landlords and tenants if other neighbours complain about disruptive tenants.
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Our expertise
- Rent arrears - We can help recover outstanding rents, service charges, and other sums due under a lease or other agreement. We aim to do so in the most cost-effective and expeditious way.
- Property maintenance - If you have a property in a poor state of repair and need to force the occupier to comply with their lease obligations, we can guide you through that. Alternatively, if you are an occupier and the owner is applying pressure on you to undertake works, we can advise on what you are obliged to do, if anything.
- Antisocial behaviour can take many forms, such as noise, pets, and parking. Whatever the issue, we can advise on your rights and remedies and hopefully achieve a calm resolution.
- Breach of tenancy - Leases contain many obligations on the part of the landlord and tenant, and we have a wealth of experience advising on what action can be taken to achieve your desired outcome.
- Possession proceedings - We have a team of specialist advisors who can assist with serving termination notices, regaining possession, and instructing bailiffs.
- Squatters and trespassing - If you find that your land is suddenly unlawfully occupied, we can act quickly to remove any squatters. We are experienced in liaising with the police, bailiffs, and local authorities to obtain possession as early as possible.
- Dilapidations - If you have received a Schedule of Dilapidations because you are about to leave or have recently left the premises, our team can guide you through what you need to do and how to settle the dilapidation claim. Conversely, if you are a landlord who needs to recover monies from an outgoing tenant who has left your building in disrepair, we offer dedicated advisors who can assist with that process.
How to resolve a dispute
Landlord and tenant dispute resolution can take many forms, including meetings without prejudice, arbitration, and mediation. A legal dispute can be costly and emotionally and financially draining, but they don’t have to be protracted. Communication is vital, as is obtaining legal advice as early as possible. As well as advising on your legal position, we will always make sure you are fully appraised of all litigation risks so that you can make informed decisions.
Meet the property dispute team
Nyree Applegarth
Partner and Head of Property Litigation
Kate Elwell
Chartered Legal Executive - Property Litigation
Zahra Zafar
Associate - Property Litigation
Peter Humpherson
Partner - Property Litigation
Reanne Upton
Associate - Property Litigation
Daniel Greatrix
Legal Director - Property Litigation
Eleanor Martin
Associate - Property Litigation
Latest successes
Why choose us as your lawyers
Our team has an excellent track record in helping both landlords and tenants resolve disputes.
Our team is made up of members of the Property Litigation Association and is ranked by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Our lawyers are down-to-earth and practical. They are renowned for guiding clients clearly and methodically and providing bespoke advice to achieve the best outcomes.
If court proceedings are the last resort and have to be pursued, we will provide you with full and transparent cost information at every stage.
