Landlord And Tenant Disputes
At Askews, we represent both landlords and tenants in disputes involving a tenanted property.
We have a robust reputation for resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation and mediation, thus saving our clients the cost and stress of litigation proceedings.
In cases where Court action proves inevitable, our experience and expertise means our specialist solicitors almost always achieve a positive result for our clients. Our success in resolving landlord and tenant disputes quickly and cost-effectively has resulted in our Residential Conveyancing Solicitors being some of the busiest in Coventry, Warwickshire and across the Midlands and UK.
Based in Coventry city centre, we are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm where our solicitors use that uses best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective residential property advice and representation. Our years of experience in conveyancing law means that our solicitors have a robust reputation for excellence with the UK’s best Barristers and Queen’s Counsel, Estate Agents, Independent Financial Advisers, Surveyors, and Mortgage Brokers who can bring additional support to our Residential Conveyancing Department if required.
We hold a Law Society Conveyancing Quality Accreditation, meaning we are recognised as having the capability to provide quality conveyancing advice, use a regulated process to recognise and reduce risk, and meet Law Society standards when providing conveyancing services.
Below are some common questions we are asked about landlord and tenant disputes.
My tenants are always late paying rent – can I evict them?
Having to evict a tenant is one of the most stressful situations a landlord can find themselves in. Thankfully, you can rely on our Residential Landlord and Tenant Disputes Solicitors to take care of the matter for you, providing the advice and support you need to manage this difficult process.
Wherever possible, we will encourage you and your tenant to attend mediation and work out how rent can be paid on time and a schedule for paying back any arrears. However, if mediation fails or the tenant refuses to partake (mediation is voluntary) below are the following ways you can legally evict your tenant.
- You can issue a Section 21 Notice stating that you will repossess the property at the end of the fixed term.
- If your tenant has broken the terms of the tenancy agreement, you can issue a Section 8 Notice to evict them before the fixed term ends.
Several conditions must be met when serving either a Section 21 or Section 8 Notice. And if your tenant started their tenancy before 27 February 1997, they might have an assured or regulated tenancy and therefore have additional protection. We will advise you on the best way to repossess your residential property and collect any outstanding rent.
My landlord refuses to fix certain things in my house – can I force him to make repairs?
Your landlord must make repairs to:
- the property’s structure and exterior
- basins, sinks, baths, and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains
- heating and hot water
- gas appliances, pipes, flues, and ventilation
- electrical wiring
- any damage they cause by attempting repairs
If you live in a block of flats, your landlord is usually responsible for repairing common areas, for example, staircases and damage to the entrance.
You mustn’t withhold rent in protest of repairs not being made – you have no legal right to take this action.
There are legal ways to ensure your landlord makes required repairs. Our Solicitors are excellent negotiators and can swiftly establish the motivation behind your landlord’s tardiness in carrying out repairs. By instructing us you can feel confident that we can organise for repairs to be made without damaging your relationship with your landlord.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?
When you sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement, your landlord must place your deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme.
If there is damage to the property, your landlord can use part or all of the deposit to pay for repairs. Deposits must be returned within 10 working days of you and your landlord agreeing on how much will be refunded.
If your landlord refuses to return your deposit or you feel they have taken too much to cover damages the first step is to contact the tenancy deposit scheme that is holding your deposit and access their disputes resolution procedures. If your landlord has not placed your deposit in an approved scheme, you can bring a claim in the County Court to have your money returned.
Why choose us?
Regardless of whether you are a landlord or a tenant, our Solicitors will take the time to understand the reason for your dispute and work determinedly to ensure it is quickly resolved. An ongoing dispute will drain you of money and your peace of mind. Let us take care of the situation.
People choose and recommend us not just in Coventry, Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington, but across Warwickshire, the Midlands and the whole of the UK., because we care about them, their family, and their future. We are focused on results and achieving them cost-effectively and efficiently. Our specialist Residential Conveyancing Solicitors will manage your landlord and tenant dispute from beginning to end, always keeping the outcome you ultimately want to achieve in mind.
To talk to us about a residential conveyancing matter, please contact us using the form below, call us on Coventry (02476) 231000, email enquiries@askewslegal.co. or visit us at our city centre offices in Coventry.