Our specialist solicitors are experts in acting for landlords in resolving residential landlord and tenant disputes quickly and cost-effectively, whilst avoiding any unnecessary conflict
At Ashtons Legal, we take a pragmatic approach in acting for landlords to deal with disputes with their tenants. We know that many issues can be resolved early on with the right advice and support, so we are always on hand to help you get a positive outcome as quickly as possible.
We provide clear insights into what outcome you can realistically expect and with strong expertise in negotiation, alternative dispute resolution and court action, we get you the best available outcome in the way that is most appropriate for your situation and what you want to achieve.
Our lawyers can meet with you at our Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Norwich offices or, alternatively, if you live further afield, are still able to provide an excellent service by conducting meetings remotely over MS Teams and Zoom.
To set up an initial consultation:
- Give us a call on 0330 404 0767; or
- Fill in our simple online enquiry form and we will be in touch shortly
Our residential landlord and tenant dispute resolution expertise
We act predominantly for landlords in respect of all types of residential landlord and tenant disputes, including the following:
We do not generally act for tenants and we are not able to advise on the recovery of a deposit, disrepair or social housing queries. If you are seeking advice in relation to these areas or your dispute has a monetary value of less than £10,000, it is unlikely that it would be economically advisable for you to seek legal advice from us. We would instead recommend that you seek legal guidance from one of the following organsiations who may be able to provide free support:
Possession claims
We can assist with possession claims against tenants, whether this be a straightforward possession action against a tenant via the accelerated procedure (under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988) or because of rent arrears (under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988). We are also very experienced in dealing with more complex claims against tenants, licensees or trespassers. We are able to advise you, prepare the correct notices and relevant court paperwork, obtain a possession order and enforce this if necessary.
Most straightforward eviction matters for our landlord clients can be dealt with under a fixed fee. Please contact us for more information.
Rent arrears recovery
If a tenant has accrued rent arrears, we are able to assist with recovering these. This can either be via a possession claim (see above), by serving a section 8 notice pursuant to the Housing Act 1988, or through County Court proceedings to recover the money alone. If the rent arrears are under £10,000, please see the following page.
Tenancy deposit scheme disputes
A landlord is required to protect a tenant’s deposit in one of the three Government-approved schemes. Failing to do so within 30 days may mean that a tenant is entitled to compensation equivalent to up to three times the value of the deposit. We can advise landlord clients on compliance with the regulations and can assist with a claim brought by a tenant.
Damage to property claims
We can assist and advise landlords if a tenant fails to keep the landlord’s property in good repair in breach of the tenancy agreement, either during the tenancy or at its end. We help landlords to recover the cost of repair from any deposit or advise on taking action against the tenant and/or a guarantor to cover any losses not provided for by a deposit.
Our approach to landlord-tenant dispute resolution
Our solicitors focus on resolving disputes as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, with the aim of preserving positive relationships wherever we can.
We provide clear advice on:
- Your legal position
- What your next steps should be
- Your prospects of success
- What our fees are likely to be at each stage of the dispute
We generally recommend seeking to resolve disputes through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution where appropriate, in the first instance. This can save you time, money and stress. However, our team are experts in court litigation and can provide robust representation for every stage of court proceedings if needed to protect your interests and achieve the most positive outcome.
At Ashtons Legal, we pride ourselves on being accessible, reliable and good communicators. Our goal is to make it easier and less stressful for you to deal with these challenging situations.
Residential landlord and tenant case studies
Possession proceedings and recovering rent arrears for landlord
The landlord has lost capacity and we are working with a family member who has power of attorney. No rental payments have been received in over 10 years. We are seeking possession of the property and to recover the rent arrears using the section 8 procedure.
Acting for landlord in breach of tenancy agreement over unlawful sub-let
We are acting for landlords whose tenants unlawfully sub-let their property and are therefore in breach of their tenancy agreement. We are instructed to obtain vacant possession of the property.
Disputing excess services fees and failure to keep property in good repair
We have acted for the owner of a leasehold property who was in dispute with the managing agent in connection with excessive service charges and their failure to keep the property in good repair.
Advising landlord in relation to notice served by separating tenants
We are advising a landlord in connection with a notice served by tenants who are separating. We have advised the landlord in relation to the validity of the notice and the options to obtain vacant possession.
Acting for landlord who did not protect a deposit within 30 days
We are advising the landlord on the steps that need to be taken before a valid notice can be served asking the tenant to leave the property. We have explained the potential action the tenant can take and how best to deal with the situation and minimise the risk.
Claiming damages for damage to the property at the end of the tenancy
A check-out inventory identified substantial damage to the property and the landlord’s contents. We are assisting the landlord with claiming the deposit and the amount due in excess of it from the tenant and guarantor.
Contact our residential landlord and tenant disputes solicitors
Please get in touch with your Ashtons Legal team in Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Norwich or Leeds.
To set up an initial consultation:
- Give us a call on 0330 404 0767; or
- Fill in our simple online enquiry form and we will be in touch shortly