property disputes
Property issues can be complex, especially when a disagreement arises. Whether you own, occupy, develop or manage property, it is important to understand your legal position and the options available to you.
Our experienced Property Disputes team provides clear, practical advice for businesses involved in commercial property or development disputes, as well as individuals dealing with residential or private property matters.
We provide advice that is cost-effective and focused on achieving the right result. Our property dispute lawyers keep your objectives at the heart of their strategy, balancing the likely cost of any action with the outcome you ultimately want to achieve.
There is rarely only one way to resolve a property dispute. Court or tribunal proceedings are usually a last resort, and we work with clients to identify the most appropriate course of action for their circumstances. Where formal proceedings are needed, our team can represent clients in court, tribunal and arbitration, while also exploring settlement through mediation, settlement meetings and negotiation where appropriate.
We regularly advise on a wide range of property disputes, including those listed below.
how we can help you
For commercial landlords and tenants, we can advise on:
- Recovering unpaid sums due (including insolvency issues)
- Lease renewals
- Lease extensions and collective enfranchisement
- Disputes about the rights or obligations in a lease
- Breaking or terminating (forfeiting) a lease (e.g. ending it early) and resisting or avoiding it
- Obtaining possession of the property at the end of the lease
- Dilapidations and disrepair disputes
- Advice about when a tenant vacates a property (or intends to).
For further information about how we can help with commercial property disputes, read more here.
For private property owners, we can advise on:
- Boundary disputes
- Neighbour disputes
- Adverse possession
- Rights of way and other easement matters
- Covenants and restrictions on the use of land
- Party wall disputes
- Title issues, including rectifying mistakes in a title
- Ownership disputes (including beneficial interests and trusts)
- Misrepresentation in connection with the sale of land
- Residential possession claims.
For developers, we can advise on:
- Access and easement disputes
- Rights of light
- Restrictive covenants impeding use or development
- Construction disputes
- Development and joint venture disputes
- Contractual disputes concerning sale contracts and transfer deeds
- Overage and option agreements
- Professional negligence claims involving solicitors, surveyors and financial services firms.
The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced new requirements for residential landlords looking to increase rent.
Landlords can only increase the rent once in any 12-month period and not during the first year of a tenancy. Any proposed increase must follow the correct process, using the relevant form and giving the required notice. If a notice is completed incorrectly, served improperly or contains the wrong date, it may be ineffective and delay the rent increase.
Failure to follow the requirements can also expose landlords to civil penalties of up to £40,000, making it important to get the process right.
We can review your tenancy, prepare and serve the appropriate notice, and advise you if a tenant challenges the proposed increase, helping you protect your position and avoid costly mistakes.
Our Lawyers.
Giles Dobson
Charlotte Dowding
Karina Green
Gellert Kiss
