Housing disputes
Your home is a sanctuary where you should feel safe and secure. However, housing disputes can turn your home into a source of anxiety. It's essential to resolve these disputes promptly, and often, legal assistance is necessary to navigate the complexities of housing law. Our Housing Solicitors are experts in this field, advocating for clients on issues involving housing associations and residents’ rights.
At QualitySolicitors, we provide free legal advice to help you understand your housing issues and explore your legal options. Housing law covers a wide range of landlord and tenant issues, from criminal damage to breach of contract, as well as matters related to homelessness, disrepair, and boundary disputes. Contact us at 0808 304 7103 for more details.
Read on to discover how housing and property solicitors can help and why their involvement is so important.
Key Services Included:
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Housing Dispute Solicitors
Housing disputes can arise for a variety of reasons. Alternative dispute resolution, including informal mediation and structured arbitration, helps resolve issues without litigation. Our solicitors offer conditional fee agreements, allowing you to pursue claims without upfront costs. We advise on the best course of action and, if necessary, prepare and advocate for you in court.
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Landlord Disputes
Landlord and tenant issues can arise for many reasons, including when either party breaches their contract or when their interests conflict. Common disputes relate to the extension or forfeiture of the tenancy agreement, repairs, eviction, deposits, late payments, and access to common areas. Housing solicitors can expertly advise you on any landlord housing law issue, including the formal eviction process, and can protect your interests as a landlord by drafting a watertight rental contract that is right for you.
Additionally, local authorities have legal obligations and responsibilities concerning housing, such as adhering to court rulings on housing duties, allocation schemes, and property maintenance.
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Leasehold Disputes
Housing leasehold agreements detail the terms of one party living in a property for a specified amount of time in exchange for specified regular payments being made to the owner – the lessee only ‘owns’ the property for a fixed number of years. Housing associations also play a crucial role in managing rental properties and maintaining property conditions to ensure they are safe and habitable for tenants.
Disputes can arise in the form of lease forfeiture and extension, service charges, access or repairs, among others. Housing experts can draft pre-action letters, advise on your rights and responsibilities under the Housing Act and instruct other building experts, such as surveyors and architects.
Housing solicitors can also advise you on your leasehold rights and responsibilities, such as whether you’re able to make alterations to the property or apply to extend your lease and mitigate the risk of disputes further down the line.
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Tenancy Disputes
Landlord and tenancy disputes can be delicate and highly stressful, and they can escalate quickly if legal assistance is not sought early on. Common disputes relate to the extension or forfeiture of the tenancy agreement, repairs, unlawful eviction, payments, deposits, and common area access. Social housing associations also play a crucial role in providing legal support for clients facing housing discrimination and challenges with accommodation.
Housing solicitors can offer legal advice and practical support on these property issues and more, including security deposits or unlawful eviction and the most common types of tenancy: joint, assured freehold, and fixed-term. They can also check your tenancy agreement to ensure that it is fair and legally sound and that it meets your individual needs, protecting your financial interests.
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Boundary Disputes
The law surrounding boundary lines is confusing and complex and requires legal expertise. Solicitors specialising in boundary disputes can guide you through the legal process using straightforward language with no legal jargon.
Many boundary disputes revolve around a new fence installation, outbuilding, or overhanging tree branches straying over the perceived line of a property. These disputes can often be resolved amicably and fairly, often without litigation, and housing specialists can help you make informed decisions about your options.
Our specialist solicitors can also review property deeds and other legal documents, gather evidence, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
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Neighbour Disputes
Living in close proximity to others means that disagreements or anti-social behaviour may arise – when they do, it is best to address the issue before it becomes more serious.
Housing lawyers are experienced in these types of disputes and can help you stay on good terms with your neighbours without the need to go to court, liaising with both sides, gathering evidence, and advising you on your options.
Specialists in this area can give advice and practical support regarding nuisance and antisocial behaviour, excessive noise and verbal abuse, as well as car parking and boundary issues. If court proceedings are necessary, they can guide you through each step of the process.
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Possession Proceedings
As a landlord, speaking directly to your tenant to address any underlying issues is advised before taking steps to recover possession of your property. Similarly, tenants should communicate with their landlord to try and resolve any minor problems. The social housing team plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance and improving living conditions for clients, particularly those facing vulnerabilities in their areas of living. However, if the landlord–tenant relationship irrevocably breaks down, a housing solicitor can guide you through the process of possession recovery:
- Tenants are provided with a Section 8 or Section 21 Housing Act 1988 notice specifying the date by which the landlord would like them to leave the property.
- If the tenant does not leave the property by the specified date, the landlord can apply to the court for a possession order. Housing solicitors can help either party by managing the paperwork and ensuring the process is followed correctly. The tenant has the opportunity to submit a defence to the court before the hearing, and both parties will be given the hearing date.
- There will be a possession hearing, at which a judge will decide whether to make a possession order or give other case management directions.
- If the possession order is granted, the tenant must leave by the date on the order or apply for an order suspension. Failure to leave or suspend can result in a warrant or writ of possession being granted, allowing a county court bailiff or high court eviction officer to evict the tenant from the property with 14 days’ notice.
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Key Qualities of Housing Law Solicitors
Sourcing the right legal help for your individual needs is imperative. You should have trust in your solicitor and expect to be kept informed at every stage of the process. Searching for a solicitor can be overwhelming and time-consuming, but there are ways to make the process easier.
Word of mouth is the best performance indicator for expert solicitors, so be sure to check solicitors’ reputations by reading reviews and testimonials and by speaking to friends and family and asking for recommendations. Furthermore, ensure that the solicitor has the relevant qualifications and credentials to act on your behalf.
Understanding a solicitor’s fee structure allows you to budget accordingly and make decisions on what actions to take. Ensure there is a clear expectation between you and your housing solicitor of what you pay for and when you pay for it, preventing any unwanted financial surprises.
Ensure you exchange all the necessary contact details with your housing solicitor so that you can be kept updated easily and regularly. Your solicitor is there to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible and give you the best chance of legal success, so excellent communication is key.
Why Choose Quality Solicitors?
At QualitySolicitors we have successfully helped many people resolve a wide range of housing disputes from problems with neighbours or landlords to dealing with tenancy issues or planning disputes. If you’re facing eviction or repossession, we can provide support and advice to help you remain in your home.
QualitySolicitors are specialist housing solicitors near you who are committed to taking on challenging cases and providing valuable support for vulnerable clients.When you talk to our legal team, we will explain you about current housing law and your rights and support you through the next steps. Together we’ll tackle any concerns you may have and act quickly to reduce the anxieties you are facing.
Our housing solicitors are experts in all areas of property law and are here to provide the help and guidance you need. Our free initial assessment promise means you can chat to us about your own particular case with no obligations, so call us today on 0808 304 7103 and find out how we can help you.
Expert legal advice you can rely on:
Housing and property
There are so many complex legal aspects relating to housing and property and, as they’re such cherished and valuable assets, it’s imperative that you make sure the law is giving you as much support and protection as possible. Is it really worth the risk of not speaking to a property solicitor when we’re so accessible, efficient and friendly? Give us a call at 0808 304 7103 today to see how we can help!
The QualitySolicitors network has expert conveyancing solicitors in all housing and property matters, which means that right from when you first contact us, you can rest assured with the full knowledge that you're always in safe legal hands. Whether you're buying, selling, or remortgaging, our conveyancing solicitors specialise in all housing and property matters. We are proud to offer you an advanced conveyancing tool to present clear and competitive pricing.
Boundary disputes
In a world where many of us live in close proximity to our neighbours, it’s not uncommon for confusion regarding boundaries to arise. However, when handled correctly, a boundary dispute doesn’t have to mean falling out with your neighbours. Many boundary issues can be resolved amicably and fairly.
Buying at auction
Buying property at auction can be an exciting experience and is often a great way to get a good deal. However, it can also be a step into the unknown - particularly if it’s your first time. By talking to a legal expert before buying at auction you can approach the process with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Contract disputes
Dealing with property issues can sometimes be complex - particularly when other parties are involved. That’s why contracts exist to help things run smoothly. And whether you own or rent property, at some stage you will probably enter into a contract with another party.
Conveyancing
Conveyancing Quote
Experience a new level of efficiency with QualitySolicitors. Receive a conveyancing quote for your property online or via phone call. What sets us apart? Beyond just providing quotes, we go the extra mile by enabling immediate instruction so that your solicitor can start work straight away.
Conveyancing Quote Online
Prefer a personal touch? Dial 0808 304 6112 to connect with our dedicated team. We’ll provide you with a detailed quote, putting you on the express lane to the key to happiness in your new home.
Conveyancing Quote Online ppc
Prefer a personal touch? Dial 0808 304 6112 to connect with our dedicated team. We’ll provide you with a detailed quote, putting you on the express lane to the key to happiness in your new home.
Homelessness
If you’re homeless or being threatened with homelessness, it can be a confusing and lonely time. And if your local council isn’t providing the help you need, you may not know where to turn next.
Housing disputes
Your home is a sanctuary where you should feel safe and secure. However, housing disputes can turn your home into a source of anxiety. It's essential to resolve these disputes promptly, and often, legal assistance is necessary to navigate the complexities of housing law. Our Housing Solicitors are experts in this field, advocating for clients on issues involving housing associations and residents’ rights.
Investment and buy to let properties
More and more people are enjoying the rewards of investing in property. And buying-to-let is a great way to ensure that your property provides a regular income and strong return on your investment. The key to successful property investment is to do your homework and seek expert legal advice before investing in a property.
Leasehold Enfranchisements
Leasehold properties are a diminishing asset, which is why purchasing the freehold title of your house, terrace, maisonette or flat may be financially beneficial to you. It is more common for flats to be sold as leaseholds, but some new build houses can be sold as leaseholds too. Without owning the freehold title, it will cost each time you wish to extend the lease and you will have ongoing expenses to your freeholder for insurance, service charges and ground rent. In addition, some contract clauses may be unappealing to buyers, which could make your property unsellable.
Leasehold Extensions
All leasehold properties have an expiry date, meaning the ownership of the property will revert back to the freehold owner once the lease term comes to an end. To prevent that from happening and losing your asset, keep track of your lease length and don’t let it get too low. The shorter the period left on the lease, the quicker the leasehold will diminish in value.
Leasehold properties
If you’re looking for advice about leaseholds, our property solicitors are here to help. Leasehold is a particular type of property ownership that comes with its own unique legal rights and responsibilities. Many flats in the UK are sold on a leasehold basis but leasehold can apply to other properties too.
Neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour
In an ideal world, we would all get on with our neighbours all of the time. But in reality, living close to other people can sometimes be difficult and disagreements can arise. If left unresolved, minor annoyances can often turn into major disputes so it’s always best to tackle issues as soon as they occur and try your best to stay on good terms with your neighbours.
Notarial services for residential property
Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or leasing property or land abroad, there will be times when you need to present documentation to foreign authorities. And because every country has its own property laws, it’s important to ensure your documents will be accepted. It may therefore be necessary to have the documents validated (notarised) by a Notary in the UK.
Party walls
When building work, repairs or improvements are carried out to a property, the work may impact on neighbours who share a wall or boundary. Therefore the Party Wall Act was introduced to minimise disputes between neighbours when work is being completed. The Party Wall Act covers work to shared walls but can also cover work being carried out close to neighbouring boundaries or buildings.
Planning law
f you are looking to make changes to your home, there are planning laws that say what you can and cannot do. There are also specific processes to follow. QualitySolicitors take away many of the worries as we know you have enough on your plate. Our Conveyancing solicitors
simplify the complexities of planning law for you and ensure that you remain compliant with the law to avoid any planning issues.
Planning solicitors are legal experts who specialise in this field and can advise you regarding building regulations, planning applications, the environmental impact of suggested changes, any relevant appeal or judicial reviews.
Possession and repossession proceedings
If you're a homeowner or tenant facing problems keeping up the repayments on your property, you may be concerned about the threat of eviction or having your home repossessed. In these circumstances, it's natural to feel worried, but at QualitySolicitors, we have expert Property Solicitor on hand to help. We can answer all the questions you may have and will help you do everything possible to remain in your home. Possession and repossession proceedings involve legal mechanisms that address issues related to ownership, debt, and property agreements. It is important to establish a legal framework including terms and conditions for all parties involved for a smooth process.
Rehousing and transfers
It’s important for people to live in a home that meets the requirements of their family. Rehousing is the process of relocating families or individuals from one place to another. Sometimes, for various reasons, your current home may not be suitable for the needs of you and your family. In these circumstances, you may wish to be rehoused or transferred to another property.
Remortgaging
As a homeowner, at some point you may wish to consider remortgaging – either to take advantage of a better mortgage deal or to release money from your property. And with different mortgage providers offering different deals, you may wish to consider changing to a new lender.
Quality solicitors property solicitors have extensive experience in new mortgages, mortgage debt, current mortgage deal and mortgage repayments.
Right to Manage
Choosing to buy the freehold title of your property may prove too costly or lengthy, which is why you may consider taking over the management responsibilities of the property from the freeholder instead. While this won’t grant you all of the benefits of owning the freehold, it will give you and your fellow leaseholders more control over the common areas of your property through a process known as Right to Manage.
Tenancy agreements and deposits
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, it makes good sense to have a solid tenancy agreement in place. Not only will this highlight your rights and responsibilities but it will also help maintain a positive relationship between you and your landlord or tenant.
Transfer of title
Are you looking to transfer the ownership of a property from one person to another? Although this is a fairly straightforward process, it’s important that it is completed correctly to ensure everything progresses smoothly and to avoid unexpected problems in the future. Call us today on 0808 304 7103.
Unlawful eviction
Being forced to leave your home is upsetting and stressful whatever the circumstances. But if your landlord has evicted you without following the correct procedures, they may have broken the law and you may be able to take action against them.
