Landlord & Tenant

Residential lettings involve complex legal obligations for both landlords and tenants. Disputes over deposits, repairs, rent increases, and evictions can escalate quickly without proper legal guidance.

What Our Landlord & Tenant Solicitors Can Help With

Professional legal support for all residential tenancy matters:

• Tenancy Agreements: Drafting and reviewing assured shorthold tenancy agreements
• Possession Proceedings: Section 8 and Section 21 notices and court proceedings
• Rent Arrears: Recovering unpaid rent and money judgments
• Deposit Disputes: Tenancy deposit scheme disputes and protection
• Disrepair Claims: Landlord obligations and tenant rights for property repairs
• Rent Reviews: Rent increases and market rent assessments
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Dealing with problem tenants and neighbour complaints
• Right to Rent: Immigration status checks and compliance

Landlord Legal Obligations

Landlords must comply with numerous legal requirements:

• Gas Safety Certificates: Annual gas safety checks and certificates
• Electrical Safety: 5-yearly electrical installation reports
• Energy Performance Certificates: Valid EPCs for all rental properties
• Deposit Protection: Protecting deposits in approved schemes within 30 days
• Right to Rent Checks: Verifying tenants' immigration status
• HMO Licensing: Licenses for houses in multiple occupation
• Prescribed Information: Providing tenants with required information

Tenant Rights & Protections

Tenants have significant legal protections:

• Quiet Enjoyment: Right to peaceful occupation without interference
• Repair Rights: Landlord obligations to maintain property condition
• Deposit Protection: Right to deposit protection and return
• Notice Periods: Minimum notice periods for eviction
• Rent Controls: Protection against excessive rent increases
• Retaliatory Eviction: Protection after complaining about repairs

Possession Proceedings Explained

Landlords can seek possession using:

1. Section 21 Notices: 'No-fault' eviction after fixed term expires
2. Section 8 Notices: Fault-based eviction for rent arrears or breach
3. Court Proceedings: County Court possession claims if tenant doesn't leave
4. Enforcement: Bailiff enforcement of possession orders

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Landlord & Tenant Law

• Specialist Knowledge: Up-to-date expertise in rapidly changing rental law
• Balanced Approach: Acting for both landlords and tenants
• Court Experience: Proven success in possession and disrepair cases
• Compliance Guidance: Ensuring landlords meet all legal obligations
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Fixed fees for standard proceedings

Most tenancy disputes resolve within 2-4 months through negotiation, while possession proceedings typically take 3-6 months from notice to eviction.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.