If you are a landlord or a tenant, it can be difficult to know what to do when issues and disputes arise. At David W Harris & Co, our landlord and tenant solicitors have exceptional experience in helping clients negotiate and resolve these issues and can advise you on what your rights and responsibilities are in light of the legal system.
During these situations, it’s important to remain professional and to retain a productive and positive relationship between the landlord and tenant. Our landlord and tenant solicitors are experts in this field, approaching each case with sensitivity and a can-do attitude. We have helped many clients resolve their issues amicably whilst supporting them through the process.
Our expert landlord and tenant solicitors are at hand to review your lease before a dispute has even arisen, informing you of your rights and responsibilities. For example, as a tenant, you have certain rights afforded to you, such as the right to live in the property peacefully, with landlords having to provide 24 hours’ notice before visiting the property.
Contact our landlord and tenant solicitors in South Wales
Our landlord and tenant solicitors in Pontypridd, Swansea & Talbot Green are at hand to advise you on whatever legal issue or dispute you’re facing. We take a hands-on approach to all of our client’s cases and ensure that you are supported throughout the process. You will find our solicitors to be extremely professional, friendly and efficient providing you with an excellent service. We have many years of experience in dealing with landlord and tenant law and will provide you with the advice and representation you need.
To speak to one of our landlord and tenant solicitors, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Swansea and Talbot Green. Alternatively, we have an easy-to-use contact form.
Our landlord and tenant dispute resolution services include:
- Disputes with landlords over deposits
- Dilapidations and disrepair
- Alterations and change of use
- Forfeiture
- Tenant insolvency
- Service charge disputes
Our landlord and tenant services
Disputes with landlords over deposits
As of 2007, all deposits should be stored and protected by a deposit scheme or be classified as an ‘unprotected deposit’.
Disputes that arise between landlords and tenants are common, often born out of damage to the property or lack of maintenance. Our solicitors Pontypridd, Swansea & Talbot Green have a wealth of experience in resolving these issues amicably and swiftly as well as having an excellent track record of supporting our clients during what can often be a frustrating situation.
Dilapidations and repairs
Our landlords and tenants are well-versed in solving issues related to dilapidations and repairs in a quick and straightforward manner for both landlords and tenants. For landlords who wish to keep their property well-maintained or for tenants struggling with repair disputes, our team is at hand to help. Our advice is always tailored to your specific situation, and we ensure that you are fully informed of your rights immediately.
Alterations and change of use
For issues related to alterations and change of use, our solicitors have a deep understanding of the complexities of these cases and are able to advise accordingly. If you are a landlord who is considering making property alterations our team will be able to provide expert legal guidance tailored to the specifics of your case.
We take a hands-on approach to these cases and will provide you with close support throughout the process whilst having detailed conversations with you about your best options moving forward.
Forfeiture and evictions
If you are a landlord seeking to enforce your rights or a tenant facing the forfeiture of your tenancy agreement, our tenant eviction solicitors are available to provide legal advice and support during this period. We have years of experience helping clients who are facing these issues and do everything within our power to make the process as smooth as possible. We will take care of any paperwork that needs filing as well as informing you of your various legal rights. Working with our team means working with solicitors who will always make your interests a priority.
Tenant insolvency
Our solicitors at David W Harris have extensive knowledge of property law, as well as a proven track record of assisting landlords and property owners with tenant insolvency cases. These situations can be complex for untrained individuals, and our solicitors are at hand to provide guidance regarding how to navigate the issue of tenant insolvency. Whether you are struggling with how to deal with a tenant’s insolvency or have questions regarding your rights as a landlord, our dedicated team of solicitors is here to help.
Service charge disputes
If you are a landlord attempting to recover unpaid service charges, a tenant who is currently disputing charges raised against you, or just require basic legal guidance, our expert team of landlord and tenant solicitors are available to provide you with support as well as representation if needed. We have a proven track record of helping our clients reach agreeable and equitable solutions to any service charge dispute, no matter the details of their case.
Our service is always tailored to your circumstances, and we ensure that our clients feel supported throughout the entire process. At David W Harris, we make sure that our clients’ interests and rights are fully protected while providing an efficient and effective service.
Frequently Asked Questions for tenants about landlord and tenant law
What can I do if my landlord refuses to carry out necessary repairs?
If a landlord refuses to carry out work that is needed to keep the property and utilities in good repair, you should write to them, setting out in detail what work is needed. Your letter should state when you first told them about the issues and how often you have reminded them.
If you or someone else at the property has experienced difficulties because of the landlord’s failures, you should provide details. You should advise the landlord that they have 20 working days to carry out the repairs or make arrangements to do so.
After the 20-day period has expired, you have the right to take your landlord to court. You should ensure that your letter includes the necessary information required by the courts, and our experienced tenant solicitors can write this on your behalf if necessary.
You should also ensure you have evidence of the problems, including photographs and details of any expenses you have incurred because of the issues, such as ruined clothes or furniture.
Can my landlord increase my rent without notice?
Your tenancy agreement will state how and when the rent can be increased. You will need to agree to any additional increase. Once the fixed term ends, the landlord can renew your tenancy and increase the rent at this point. You should be given one month’s notice of any increase, and the increase should be fair.
What are my rights regarding my security deposit?
You can be asked for a security deposit of up to five weeks’ rent if your annual rent is less than £50,000. If you have an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord should use an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme to safeguard your deposit.
You are entitled to have your deposit back at the end of the tenancy, provided you have not breached the terms of the tenancy agreement.
How can I contest an unfair eviction?
If you are illegally evicted, a solicitor can apply to the courts on your behalf to request an injunction permitting you to return to the property. You may also be awarded compensation for losses you have sustained.
You are strongly advised to speak to expert solicitors for landlords and tenants without delay if you believe you have been unfairly evicted. Our team provides representation and legal advice for tenants, and we will do all we can to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions for landlords about landlord and tenant law
What should I do if my tenant is in rent arrears?
It is crucial to follow the correct process when dealing with tenant arrears. You should speak to the tenant to try to find out why the payment has been missed and keep a record of your communications.
You may be able to request payment from a guarantor if one was provided. Alternatively, you may have landlord insurance.
If you wish to pursue your tenant through the courts to obtain the outstanding rent and evict them from the property, our landlord solicitors can represent you, ensuring that the Section 8 notice is correctly drafted and served.
How can I legally evict a tenant?
Legal eviction of a tenant must follow a strict process of serving notice and giving them the legal minimum time periods in which to respond. The route you choose will depend on whether the tenant has breached the terms of the lease or not.
We can advise you of your options and represent you in taking steps to evict your tenant.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord regarding property maintenance?
As a landlord, you must maintain the property in a good and habitable condition and ensure that all health and safety legislation is complied with. This includes gas and electrical safety checks and the provision and checking of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Utilities need to be in good working order, including heating, sinks, showers, baths, toilets, drains and hot water. The structure of the property, including the roof, internal and external walls, doors, stairs, bannisters and windows should also be in a reasonable and safe condition.
Contact our landlord and tenant solicitors in South Wales
Our landlord and tenant solicitors are at hand to advise you on whatever legal issue or dispute you’re facing. We take a hands-on approach to all of our client’s cases and ensure that you are supported throughout the process. You will find our solicitors to be extremely professional, friendly and efficient providing you with an excellent service.
To speak to one of our landlord and tenant solicitors, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Swansea and Talbot Green. Alternatively, we have an easy-to-use contact form.