Wonderful service from start to finish.
Unauthorised parking may seem like a small problem, but it can lead to serious legal issues under UK law, particularly around nuisance and trespass. It's important to understand that unauthorised parking differs from illegal parking on public roads or...
On 4 September 2024, Phase II of the Grenfell Enquiry Report was released, delivering an exhaustive assessment of the systemic failures that culminated in the Grenfell Tower fire. The report examines failings across multiple sectors, including government...
In a technology-driven era, the use of home security systems, such as Ring doorbells and private CCTV are on the rise as they seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. These tools provide homeowners with a heightened sense of security by enabling...
Payment disputes are a frequent challenge in construction contracts, and each situation demands a tailored approach for a resolution. In this article, we look at some essential principles to help navigate and resolve payment disputes effectively: 1....
This is the fourth and final instalment of our four-part series, focusing on various important topics related to the role of Directors' Duties. If you haven't yet read our previous articles, you can read them here: An Introduction to...
This is the third instalment of our four-part series, focusing on various important topics related to the role of Directors' Duties. If you haven't yet read our previous articles, you can read them here: An Introduction to Directors' Duties...
Welcome to the second instalment of our four-part series on the important topic of Directors' Duties. In our previous article, " An Introduction to Directors' Duties and Their Responsibilities ," Mollie Leak , Solicitor in our...
In the business world, Directors play a central role in steering a company's trajectory. As a result, directors are subject to a range of duties to guide their conduct and ensure they act in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders. The...
Both parties try to avoid a breach of contract wherever possible, yet they often happen, causing disruption and unwanted hassle to all involved. When such a breach occurs within a construction agreement, understanding the implications is paramount. In...
In this article, Farouk Vahdati, from our Litigation and Resolution team, delves into the complex domain of tenants' rights, highlighting two important aspects: 'Derogation from Grant' and 'Quiet Enjoyment'. Farouk explains...
The cost-of-living crisis has impacted everyone in one way or another. Everyone is doing their best to ensure they receive the best value for their money. So, what happens if the goods you purchase aren't fit for purpose? In this article,...
Facing redundancy can be a challenging and uncertain time for employees. It is crucial to clearly understand the redundancy process and your rights as an employee to ensure a fair and legally compliant procedure. In this article, we will delve into the...
The Building Safety Act of 2022 has undergone significant revisions recently, ushering in crucial mandates to bolster building safety in the face of fire and other health and safety risks. Prompted by lessons drawn from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, these...
The Government's crackdown on illegal migration has seen a tripling of penalties for landlords who fail to enforce 'right-to-rent' rules. From the 22nd of January 2024, the Government will significantly increase civil penalties for...
So, you've succeeded in your claim, securing a court order mandating the defendant to settle damages and costs within 28 days. However, the question arises: What steps should you take when the allotted 28 days elapse and the defendant has not...
Have you seen the latest documentary, "The Real Wagatha Story", on Disney+? It is the latest documentary about the Vardy v Rooney defamation case (better known as "The Wagatha Christie trial"). These programmes can use some complex...
Networks of spies using bribery and fake identities may seem the stuff of high politics, but techniques devised by hostile foreign intelligence services are being adapted by those seeking industrial secrets for commercial gain. The warning...
Businesses must ensure they do not paint themselves in artificial shades when pushing their environmental credentials. It follows the news that Shell has been found guilty of 'greenwashing' with an advertising campaign themed '...
As a landowner, you may have heard of the term 'public right of way' and wondered what it means. A public right of way is an area of land open to the public for passage, such as a path or roadway. In some cases, this right of way may be...
Significant judgment on the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Defective Premise Act 1972. URS Corporation Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [2023] EWCA Civ 772 In a previous article, we spoke about some of the changes the Building Safety Act 2022...
With the arrival of summer, many residents take to their gardens to enjoy the warm weather and make alterations to enhance their outdoor spaces. However, such garden alterations can sometimes lead to disputes between neighbours, causing tension and...
A Shisha cafe based in Manchester breached a planning enforcement notice, forcing its landlord, T&M Property Investments Limited, to pay back £174,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The Dubai Cafe caught the attention of...
Parliament has announced the long-awaited Renters Reform Bill, arguably the biggest shake-up to Private Rental and renters' rights for over a decade. The new law, in short, will prevent landlords from evicting tenants without justification, thus...
Ed Sheeran has been defending himself in court recently against claims that he copied Marvin Gaye's classic Let's Get it on in his 2014 hit; thinking out loud . And while the songwriter had a successful outcome, copyright experts say...
There are many significant differences between being a consumer and a business, especially regarding contracts. Mollie Leak, Solicitor in our Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, examines business-to-business contracts in detail. She also...
In 2022 there were approximately 57.6 million active social media users in the UK alone. This is about 85% of the UK's population. A staggering 4.6 million UK residents joined social media in 2022. It is an ever-growing and changing media, which...
In response to the tragedy of the Grenfell fire, there was a big call for further regulation on the Construction and management of buildings, specifically high-risk buildings over seven storeys or 18 metres high. Andrew Cullyer, Litigation Executive...
Court Case Review of LJR Interiors Ltd v Cooper Construction Ltd [2023] EWHC 3339 (TCC) The High Court recently handed down judgment in the case of LJR Interiors Ltd ("LJR") v Cooper Construction Ltd ...
Never underestimate the power of pen to paper. The Supreme Court recently handed down judgment on Barton & Ors v Morris & Anor [2023] UKSC 3. This case has several interesting aspects and much to consider for lawyers. There is, however, a...
Lessons are to be learned from the recent tragic case of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after his health was compromised by mould growing in his rented home.
Naushad Rahman, Partner in our Firm’s Company Commercial Department, takes a closer inspection at Unfair Prejudice under s. 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) in light of recent case law.
Unfortunately, residential construction conflicts between homeowners and their builders are all too prevalent, usually centred on the value of a bill or the quality of completed construction work, or both. Such disagreements frequently lead to the parties...
What does the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill mean for commercial landlords? Landlords of business premises have had a tough time during the Coronavirus pandemic. If their tenants are not paying rent, there has been little that landlords can do as...
An extension to your home will cost you thousands of pounds and so it is vital that you make the necessary plans, understand the contract before you sign it, appreciate how to manage the project while it is ongoing and know where to turn should disputes...
It is astute to recognise at outset that as a purchaser your valuation of a target company can vastly differ from that of the sellers’ accountants. With this in mind, it is important that you amplify the deal value for yourself, as the seller...
Facing unpaid invoices will be a disrupting time for any business. With the added administration, distraction and impact on your cash flow, addressing debts at an early stage is key for stability, however we appreciate that tackling your customers or...
Timing is a vital part of any building and construction contract and understanding the implications of delays can help in avoiding disputes. The same can be said for when an employer wants a project completed ahead of time, known as acceleration. ...
October sees a major milestone in notice periods for residential tenancies where landlords are seeking possession, as they revert to pre-pandemic requirements. The time during the pandemic has been tough for both landlords and tenants alike, with many...
Delays are a regular occurrence in construction projects and so protecting you and the project with the appropriate clauses in your contract can assist in the long term against disputes arising. It is vital that you understand what would constitute a...
In all areas of construction , time is one of the biggest areas of disputes. Knowing how much time you have to complete your project, how to ask for extensions, and how to manage your time related risks are vital. Andrew Cullyer , Litigation...
Building and construction disputes can be stressful, and one of the problems is knowing where to start. Evidence is about proving what happened and provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate that an agreement was made on a certain date or the...
It is tempting for the outsider to believe that all construction contracts are the same – they are not. This can lead to both construction disputes and a waste of valuable time, energy and cost. Getting the contract right is vital before you start...
In all areas of construction, having the right contract in place is of utmost importance to avoid disputes in the future, whether that is regarding payment, the plans for the projects or the parties involved. A recent case decided in the High Court...
With several updates and changes in recent months, it’s understandable that residential landlords may be feeling slightly confused about where they stand regarding their possession proceedings or the notice periods. The good news is that the 6 months...
The coronavirus pandemic has inevitably had an impact on the cash flow of every business across the country, and has highlighted how important it is to have an efficient credit control process to ensure the survival of your business during times of economic...
As the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown continues albeit with an end in sight, even with the success of the vaccine roll-out, it is an unfortunate consequence that not all companies will survive the coming months. With Carillion still fresh...
Construction law is diverse and in some respects archaic. No two construction projects are the same and this can mean that even familiar, simple principles can arise in novel and diverse ways. Andrew Cullyer , Litigation Executive specialising...
There are many reasons why disputes may arise in construction projects , with one of the most common being over payments. The Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) provides for regular interim payments for construction...
When a dispute arises between parties, there are several methods of resolution available, including arbitration, mediation, negotiation and litigation. Another option is adjudication, in which a third party will review the case put by either side and...
Construction disputes have a long history; there are records of people complaining about their builders from ancient Sumerian times! Construction projects that lead to disputes will have a significant financial and potentially reputational impact for...
When embarking on any sort of building project, it is vital that the terms and conditions of the arrangement are set out in writing and understood by all parties concerned. Having knowledge of the clauses within the contract and the subsequent issues...
Further to The Civil Procedure (Amendment No.2) (Coronavirus) Rules 2020, that were introduced in June 2020, possession proceedings were stayed again up to 23 August 2020. With this deadline soon approaching and the coronavirus restrictions continuing...
A new online digital fingerprinting service has been launched to help protect designs and innovations from copycat misuse. Torion Bowles , Partner and Solicitor in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution department, explains more as to why this...
Landlords are breathing a sigh of relief over the news that a Court has allowed an eviction notice despite a copy of the gas safety certificate not being provided before the tenancy started. Mollie Leak , Litigation and Dispute Resolution ...
Over the recent months there have been many changes in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. These have included changes for individuals, businesses, landlords and tenants. Recently, further guidance has been released from Government on the stay of evictions for...
Many businesses are continuing to struggle financially due to the restrictions in place following the coronavirus pandemic and, even though those restrictions are beginning to ease and in spite of the range of Government support on offer, there are still...
16th June 2021: The latest update can be viewed by reading our " Clarification provided for residential landlords regarding tenancy notice periods " article following recent updates during 2021. The last couple of weeks have been ones of change...
In most cases where there is a dispute between business parties, it is likely that you will be told to try and resolve matters through Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mollie Leak , Solicitor within our Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution ...
The Government’s proposal to abolish section 21 notices has caused a feeling of uncertainty amongst landlords as to how they will go about regaining possession of their property if a tenant refuses to leave after the fixed term of their tenancy agreement expires. The Government has stated that the purpose of the abolishment is an attempt to remove no fault evictions so as to provide renters with the security of having a tenancy that cannot be ended through no fault of their own. The National Landlord’s Association have specified that “over 96% of landlords would consider the leaving the market without section 21”.
The abolishment of eviction notices under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 could be seen as a positive move for tenants as they will remove the ability for landlords to evict them without a justifiable reason. However, there is a concern from the Resident Landlords Association (RLA), which is the largest representative for landlords within the UK, that “landlords will be more selective when this abolishment is in place”. Understandably, this raises causes for concern for current and future tenants.
On the 15th April 2019, the Government announced proposals to repeal section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, which provides a no fault procedure for a landlord to recover possession of their tenanted property. Were the proposals to proceed, the future of tenant evictions and repossessions would be drastically altered. Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, reviews the proposals and the steps landlords can take to protect their property in the future.
Our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team have previously discussed the progress of the Tenant Fees Act through the Houses of Parliament, but the Act has now received royal assent and shall come into force on 1 June 2019. From this date, landlords and letting agents are only able to charge for the deposit, rent and restricted default fees. Helen Porter, Partner in the team, reviews the changes being introduced and explains the steps landlords should take now to remain compliant.
Our Residential Conveyancing team have previously discussed how to spot Japanese Knotweed on your property, but could you have legal grounds to make a claim if your neighbour’s land has Japanese Knotweed that is encroaching upon your land? ...
On 20 March 2019 the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (the Act) will come into force in England. The Act will give tenants the right to take court action for breach of contract if a property is not fit for human habitation at the start of and throughout their tenancy. Helen Porter, Partner in the Southampton based Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, explains the amendments being introduced by the Act and what they mean for landlords
We understand that being a landlord is a big responsibility and we’re here to help you understand your legal obligations to make your role as easy as possible.
From 1 October 2018, all Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be subject to the rules that were introduced by the Deregulation Act 2015 (‘the Act’), which outlines situations when a landlord can terminate a tenancy under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Helen Porter, Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, explains how the Act affects landlords who are faced with a complaint about their property from their tenant, and why this may restrict you from serving a Section 21 notice.
When a landlord wishes to evict their tenant, it is vital that they follow the correct procedure for doing so, in order to avoid any unnecessary delays and wasted costs. This is particularly important given the upcoming changes in the law regarding landlords’ use of the procedure under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, explains the changes in the law, and the steps landlords must take to ensure they are compliant.
On September 5th the Tenant Fees Bill (the Bill) had its’ third reading in the House of Commons and the Bill has now been passed up to the House of Lords for consideration. Helen Porter, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Partner, explains how...
When a landlord wishes to evict their tenant, it will not be a decision they have reached lightly and will invariably be the last resort. There could be various reasons why they wish to do this, but there are also various steps they must follow to ensure any subsequent eviction is legal. Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, explains the correct steps for landlords and the legal consequences if they do not evict their tenants legally.
Celebrations are underway in the Warner Goodman Litigation and Dispute Resolution team as Daniel Coleman qualifies as a Solicitor into the team. Daniel joined the firm in June 2015 working as a Paralegal in the Southampton based Residential...
When tree roots extend into your neighbour’s property they can cause damage, especially if they are close to foundations of a building. Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, explains here the rights you have regarding tree roots and steps to take before legal action.
When granting an assured shorthold tenancy of residential accommodation, you should ensure you are aware of the obligations you are required to satisfy both at the beginning of, and throughout the duration of the tenancy, otherwise you could face serious difficulty when trying to regain possession of your property. Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, explains these responsibilities here, and reviews a recent case highlighting the impact the failure to deliver a Gas Safety Certificate to a tenant can have on the validity of notice given under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
Barely a day goes by without a local newspaper recording the infringement of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). These are often accompanied by protestations from the accused claiming they had no idea that a TPO was in place and, more frequently, detailing the fines imposed against them (which can be as high as £20,000). Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, clarifies the position on TPOs as well as offering advice to landowners and developers.
Against a background of government reforms in Courts and Tribunals, the Ministry of Justice aims to ensure that the process of debt recovery strikes a balance, between the legitimate right of an individual or business to pursue a money claim, and the right of a debtor, to know of any claim against them and have the opportunity to defend that claim.
The private rented sector is made up of 4.5 million households in England. Both landlords and tenants frequently pay Letting Agents to provide a valuable service in ensuring properties are managed; assisting landlords in complying with their legal responsibilities and helping tenants secure a home, being their first port of call for any maintenance and repair issues.
Disputed boundaries, loud music and overhanging trees have long caused grievances between neighbours. Now technology has led to a further issue; drones. Drones are not only loud, but sometimes equipped with cameras.
From 1 December 2016, a landlord or agent will have committed a criminal offence where they know or have ‘reasonable cause to believe’ that any property they are letting is occupied by someone who is disqualified from residing in the UK, regardless of when the tenancy was granted. This is due to Sections 39 to 41 of the Immigration Act 2016 amending the Immigration Act 2014 to enhance the ‘right to rent’ regime.
Experts across the world are focusing on property laws and how they will stand up to the growing popularity of reality gaming, following on from the global success of Pokémon Go. Helen Porter, Commercial Lawyer, advises business and property owners of their rights when trespassing is becoming an increasing concern.
When attempting to obtain possession of your property as a landlord (when it is let out on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement), there are two routes that can be followed. Helen Porter, Partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team explains how Section 8 and Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, as subsequently amended, can assist.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 made significant changes to the rights and obligations of parties in business to consumer contracts.
Disputes commonly arise out of building contracts. These could include arguments as to quality or price, being kicked off site or being asked to do more than what was initially agreed.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (“the Regulations”) gave effect to the European Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. The Regulations prohibit misleading commercial practices that may cause the average consumer to take a different commercial decision to that which they intended.
The Housing and Planning Bill has now had its second reading in the House of Lords on 26 January 2016, after passing through the House of Commons. The next stage for the bill is scrutiny by a House of Lords committee who will look at the bill line by line. The committee will produce a report on the Bill and it will then go for a final third reading in the House of Lords before both Houses consider any amendments and the Bill receives Royal Assent.
On 1 October 2015, new rules are coming into force which will affect the giving of Section 21 Notices giving at least two months’ notice requiring a tenant to deliver up vacant possession of residential property let under an assured shorthold tenancy, without having to prove fault on the part of the tenant.
The usual contractual methods for terminating a lease, or strictly, the ending of the tenant’s obligations under a lease, whether by the fixed term coming to an end, the operation of a break clause, by agreed surrender or assignment are relatively clear and well understood. However, the courts can, under the doctrine of “equity”, interfere in cases where the assertion of strict legal rights is found to be unconscionable.
In the week that Taylor Swift reportedly obtained a trademark in the USA to protect the use of her lyrics from her “Shake It Off” and “1989” albums, the Court of Appeal in England & Wales has upheld a decision where the use of an image of the pop star Rihanna on a T-shirt was found to be passing off and had damaged the goodwill and reputation of her business.
At Warner Goodman Commercial we are often asked what address the landlord must supply to its tenant of rented residential property. Landlords might not want their tenants to contact them direct, particularly when they are using agents to manage their property. Helen Porter, Warner Goodman’s residential landlord and tenant property litigation solicitor provides clarity on this legal issue.
Torion Bowles, a Solicitor within the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, has been examining the decision of the Court of Appeal to back landlords on the issue of rent apportionment following a tenant exercising a break clause in a commercial lease.
When a creditor successfully obtains a court judgment, they will undoubtedly want to enforce that judgment if the debtor continues to avoid making payment. Torion Bowles, Litigation Solicitor, suggests that one might be forgiven for thinking that a surprise visit from a bailiff might encourage the debtor to immediately make arrangements to pay rather than risk having any valuable goods seized from their premises in lieu of the debt.
A recent Court of Appeal decision highlights the need for careful drafting of leases and commercial contracts to avoid the inadvertent release of a surety when dealing with licences for alterations or other amendments to the original contract. Helen Porter, Associate Solicitor, advises on the latest Court of Appeal decision on strict covenants and sureties’ liabilities.
In this age where we are increasingly concerned about the protection of our home and its contents, more of us are considering the use of, and installing CCTV. But where does this leave us when the neighbour’s camera overlooks our garden or our home? Helen Porter, Associate Solicitor who specialises in property-related disputes, advises on the remedies.
Helen Porter here reviews two recent cases between neighbours regarding tree roots extending into properties, the importance of foreseeable risk, and gives guidance to commercial property owners on avoiding these risks.
Does your home have a gas central heating system? Is your boiler situated away from an external wall? If so, then it is likely that your flue runs through your wall or ceiling void and so you need to be considering having new inspections hatches installed, warns Helen Porter, Litigation Lawyer.
Commercial tenants have never been in favour of their landlord, or more usually a bailiff, turning up unannounced and seizing their goods in order to recover arrears of rent. However, they will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief as the common law remedy of distress is being abolished and replaced by Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (“CRAR”) from 6 April 2014.
Acquiring land by adverse possession is the process by which a person who is not the legal owner of the land can become the legal owner by possessing the land for a specified period of time. Here we review a recent case and the implications this has on the future of land possession.
Public use of privately owned open spaces is on the line following the introduction of legislation that allows landowners to bring to an end recreational use of land as a village or town green. Helen Porter, Head of Litigation at Hampshire based law firm Warner Goodman Commercial, advises here how the new law could open the way to more building development by giving landowners the chance to challenge usage rights to prevent registration of village greens.
The Government has now responded to the Court of Appeal’s recent ruling on another tenancy deposit issue which has caused consternation for many landlords. Here Helen Porter, Head of Warner Goodman Commercial’s litigation department, reviews the case and advises how landlords should proceed.
On 12 October 2013, the ten year transitional period under the Land Registration Act 2002 (‘the Act’) will draw to a close and a small number of interests in land will lose their status as ‘overriding interests’.
An ‘overriding interest’ is an interest that binds an owner or purchaser of land, despite no record of the interest appearing on the registered title. Common overriding interests include short leases, certain easements and rights of people in actual occupation of the land.
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013 came into force on 16 March 2013, bringing with them the need for businesses to review their current supply contracts. Here Helen Porter, head of Warner Goodman Commercial’s Dispute Resolution Team, looks at what this means for you and your clients and advises the best course of action for the future.
New plans designed to encourage large building projects and increase the amount of homes available on the market could leave Hampshire residents in the dark as the Government plans changes to rights to light, warns the Commercial Property Team from Hampshire based law firm Warner Goodman LLP.
Search site
Contact our offices
Make an enquiry
