Residential Landlord and Tenant Solicitors
We are very experienced in dealing with residential landlord and tenant law.
We act for both landlords and tenants.
Possession Proceedings
A key area is always obtaining or defending possession proceedings.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 Notices as of May 2026
Possession proceedings are now done under Section 8. For detailed information as to the changes under the new Act please read our article .
Disrepair Retaliatory Provisions
There are also disrepair retaliatory provisions whereby if a local authority serves a remedial or improvement notice then again, a Section 21 Notices cannot be relied upon.
If you cannot rely upon Section 21 Notices all a landlord can do is increase the rent to market levels or rely upon other grounds for possession such as rent arrears, breach of tenancy covenants and also relying upon Ground 1 of the Housing Act 1988 relating to returning owner occupiers – which does require service of a prescribed notice before the tenancy commences.
Other Landlord and Tenant legal issues
Other aspects of residential landlord and tenant which we have experience in dealing with include:
- Damages for disrepairs and
- Breach of the covenant for quiet enjoyment and/or derogation from grant.
Long Leaseholders
For long leaseholders we have experience with the following:
- The right to manage applications – these are very technical, and the regulations are very biased in favour of the freeholder. There will be a liability for costs should applications to the tribunal or any appeals be unsuccessful. Accordingly, it is well worthwhile undertaking this properly and not at a budgeted cost which may be quoted by another legal adviser.
- Applications for acquisitions/enfranchisement of a freehold to a block of flats.
- Representation concerning service charge disputes
- Defending tenants against costs/claims by landlords/landlords’ solicitors. This, unfortunately, has become very common with leases containing contractual provisions for a tenant to pay the landlord’s solicitors costs – generally of fairly large amounts in dealing with lease disputes and/or purported breaches of the lease.
- Extension of long residential leases either with or without the use of the statutory procedure. In our experience, it is normal to have to rely upon the statutory procedure in order to secure a reasonable agreement from the landlord concerning the premium to be paid. Applications for lease extensions are extremely technical with various time limits which if not met the application is deemed to be withdrawn. It will then become necessary to start again.
HMO’s and Rent Repayment Orders
We are able to assist with issues in relation to houses in multiple occupation and rent repayment applications.
Contacting this Firm
We are a very approachable law firm.
We can arrange a fixed fee initial meeting.
Please contact us on enquiries@sr-law.co.uk or telephone 0208 446 6223.