Landlord Solicitors Leeds, Sheffield & York

Our specialist landlord & Tenant solicitors regularly act to protect the best interests of residential landlords, no matter how big or small your portfolio is we can help

Tenancy Agreements

Lupton Fawcett can also help with your tenancy agreements. These are legally binding documents so it pays to ask the experts, who will ensure your interests are protected. Our solicitors can advise you on all aspects of your tenancy agreements, checking existing contracts or drafting new ones. We will work with you to agree the terms, will highlight the essential requirements and ensure that it is tailored to meet your specific needs.

We also offer:

• a full property portfolio management service designed for landlords and managing agents.
• Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements, management agreements, let-only agreements and guarantor forms

Disputes with Tenants

We offer a bespoke service to property owners and residential landlords and pride ourselves on our close client relationships. Our years of experience and proven track record of delivering results make us the firm of choice for many landlords and tenants in resolving their property disputes.

Dispute Resolution for Residential Landlords

There are times as a landlord when issues can arise, which may require specialist legal advice. Disagreements between landlords and tenants often arise due to contractual breaches on either side such as rent arrears, illegal sublets or housing disrepair claims.

Whatever your circumstances, our landlord solicitors can provide you with expert advice to help bring your dispute to a swift conclusion. Whether you are a private investor with just one rental property or a company with a large portfolio of residential lettings, contact us today on 0330 404 6409 and speak to one of our solicitors.

Our expertise

All the property dispute lawyers accredited members of the Property Litigation Association, the Residential Landlords Association so you can rest assured that we provide the highest levels of expertise and specialist knowledge that you should expect from your legal team.

We offer a bespoke service and pride ourselves on our close client relationships. Our years of experience and proven track record of delivering results make us the firm of choice for many landlords requiring property dispute resolution.

We can provide advice and assistance with:

• Antisocial behaviour
• Bringing possession claims against tenants
• Claims against tenants for damage to property
• Dealing with problem tenants
• Defending breach of rental contract claims
• Defending harassment claims
• Defending housing disrepair claims
• Defending unlawful eviction claims
• Disputes with neighbours including title and boundary disputes
• Evicting residential tenants
• Eviction of squatters & trespassers
• Forfeiture of residential leases
• Infringement of property rights including rights of way
• Leasehold enfranchisement
• Professional negligence
• Recovery of rent arrears, service charge and ground rent
• Right of first refusal
• Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes

Types of dispute resolution

At Lupton Fawcett, we are experienced in all forms of dispute resolution and will take time to explore all the options for your particular situation, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation so that wherever possible you don’t have to go to court.

Where litigation is the best course of action, we will take a proactive and robust approach, preparing your case thoroughly and representing you in court. Our accomplished team of lawyers have a formidable reputation across the industry and are known for achieving consistently excellent results.

Housing Act Prosecutions

If you are being investigated or prosecuted it is vital that you receive expert advice and our team at Lupton Fawcett is experienced in dealing with a wide variety of housing matters.

Investigation

Your first contact with regards to being investigated may be a letter from the relevant authority inviting you to attend a meeting or an interview under caution. If you receive such a letter it is vital that you contact an expert solicitor to assist you as what you say during that interview may significantly effect the investigation and its outcome.

By having us as your legal representative you get the benefit of solicitors who understand what is involved in investigations and unlike many firms, are fully conversant with Police Station procedure.

Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

We are seeing an increase in enforcement proceedings in respect of houses of multiple occupations. Many landlords remain unaware of firstly, what constitutes a HMO and secondly, the significant financial penalties for breaches of HMO regulations. If you own a HMO then you, as a landlord must meet certain standards and obligations, including extra fire and safety measures.

Your home is a HMO if:

• At least 3 tenants live there, forming more than one household
• Tenants share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities

Your home is a large HMO if:

• It is at least 3 stories high
• At least 5 tenants live there, forming more than one household
• Tenants share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants

All large HMOs need a licence from the local council, as well as meeting the standards and complying with the obligations set out in the regulations.

Where Local Authorities discover an alleged breach they will typically invite the landlords to attend an interview under caution and if breaches are found then you can be prosecuted through the criminal courts.

Illegal eviction

As a landlord you must follow the correct procedures when evicting a tenant and a failure to do so is a criminal offence which can result in prosecution through the criminal courts, fines and in some cases, imprisonment.

Examples of illegal eviction include using force or threats to remove a tenant, changing the locks, preventing the tenant from entering the home or parts of the home and not serving the correct notices.

If you are facing investigation or prosecution then you should seek expert advice immediately. Our specialist team is well versed at dealing with the appropriate authorities and aim to avoid prosecution where possible.

Speak to a specialist

If you are facing investigation or criminal charges under the Housing Act, speak to a member of our experienced and highly-regarded team of business law solicitors. Call our Leeds, Sheffield or Yorkshire office and discuss your case with us, or get in touch using the enquiry form on this page.

For immediate assistance please use our 24/7 mobile number 07971 520407.