How our landlord and tenant solicitors can help
Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, we're here to help. Our network of solicitors can support in a range of legal areas, from tenancy agreements and rent arrears to possession proceedings and eviction.
Tenancy agreements | Our expert team of landlord solicitors can draft, review, negotiate and enforce the terms of a tenancy agreement. They'll help ensure the terms are crystal clear and minimise the risk of disputes. |
Rent deposits | Get legal tenancy advice on deposit protection scheme best practices, a landlord's right to withhold deposits, a tenant's rights to dispute deductions and more. |
Evictions | For landlords, our solicitors can guide on the full eviction process including Section 8 or 21 Notices, possession proceedings and enforcement. And for tenants, we can guide you on when an eviction is lawful and your specific rights. |
Property disrepair | Damp, mould, leaks, heating issues - whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, we can help with property disrepair. For landlords, we can guide you on your repair obligations and what your options are. And for tenants, we can help with fitness for habitation claims and other compensation. |
Landlord harassment | If you're being threatened or harassed by a landlord, our team are here to help. We can guide you on how to handle illegal and revenge evictions, unwanted entry, discrimination and the Equality Act 2010, and what your best next legal steps are. |
Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) properties | We can provide specialist landlord legal advice to ensure your property meets the legal standards for HMOs. Our team can keep you updated on the ever-changing legal requirements and help you avoid potential HMO offence convictions. |
Rent arrears | For landlords, our team can guide you on solutions for debt recovery management. For tenants, we can help negotiate with your landlord around repayment plans or allowing you to remain in the property. |
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods
Not every dispute needs to go to court. Your tenancy law solicitor may recommend alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a way to find a peaceful, amicable solution instead. ADR can save you time, money, and stress, and it can even help improve relationships between both sides. Common ADR methods your solicitor might suggest include:
This is where a neutral third party helps both sides communicate and agree on a solution. A mediator isn’t there to make decisions or give legal advice. Instead, they guide the conversation towards an agreement everyone is happy with. Mediation can be used for various types of disputes, such as property repairs, rent arrears, deposit disputes, or anti-social behaviour, and can be done face-to-face, online, or by telephone.
Arbitration
This is where an independent, qualified advisor listens to both sides and makes a final decision. The arbitrator’s decision is legally binding unless both parties agree otherwise. Arbitration can be used for more complicated disputes, such as leasehold disputes, service charges, or rent reviews. Arbitration can be done in person, in writing, or online.
Adjudication
With adjudication, an independent advisor - a specialist in the relevant area - reviews all evidence provided by both sides and makes a binding decision. This method is particularly useful for disputes over tenancy deposits, repair costs, or minor contractual issues at the end of a lease. Adjudication is ideal when both parties want a clear, decisive outcome without lengthy legal proceedings, saving time, money, and stress.
Why choose Lawhive for landlord and tenant legal advice?
At Lawhive, we aim to make legal support straightforward and stress-free. By partnering with a network of top tenancy law solicitors across the UK, we can quickly connect you with the right advisor for your specific needs. Here’s why Lawhive might be a better choice than a traditional law firm:
Specialised landlord-tenant expertise: Landlord and tenant disputes can be tricky. We ensure you’re matched with a solicitor who specialises in your type of case and has the experience needed to protect your rights.
Transparent, fixed fees: We believe in no hidden fees and no surprises. We’ll give you a clear, fixed-fee quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
Affordable tenant law advice: Our services can be up to 50% more affordable than high street law firms, providing the same level of expertise without the high cost.
Fast support: Get connected with a landlord tenant solicitor within two working days, and often in as little as 24 hours. No more waiting weeks for legal assistance.
How much does a tenancy law solicitor cost?
The cost of a landlord solicitor will vary depending on how complex your case is and the work involved. For example, an eviction consultation with Lawhive can cost as little as £189 or to draft and serve a Section 21 Notice can be as little as £199. You'll get a fixed fee quote upfront before you get started that's personalised for you and your specific needs.
How much can you expect to pay?
You can use our table below for an idea of how much your case might cost and how long it could take. Just remember, these are only estimates and the real cost and time might change based on your case. Get your free quote today to find out more.
Type of dispute | Average solicitor fees | Duration |
|---|
Possession proceedings | £££ | ⏳⏳⏳ |
Rent arrears | £ | ⏳ |
Disrepair claims | ££ | ⏳⏳⏳⏳ |
Leasehold disputes | ££ | ⏳⏳ |
Commercial lease disputes | £ | ⏳⏳ |
Violation of rules | ££ | ⏳ |
Damage to the property | £££ | ⏳⏳ |
Eviction without notice | £££ | ⏳⏳⏳ |
Non-refund of deposit | ££ | ⏳⏳ |
Entry without notice | £ | ⏳ |
Our team of trusted lawyers
At Lawhive, we’re dedicated to working only with top-notch, licensed landlord and tenant solicitors who provide outstanding service. Before we partner with a solicitor, our Legal Assessment team thoroughly checks their background, covering everything from experience and qualifications to recent client feedback. Here’s what you can count on:
SRA-regulated: Every landlord lawyer in our network is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA regulates over 200,00 solicitors in England and Wales, ensuring they meet high ethical standards and follow strict compliance guidelines.
Fully qualified: Our tenancy solicitors have years of focused experience, each holding a law degree, passing required exams like the SQE, and completing 6-8 years of specialised training.
Experts in tenancy law: With hundreds of hours dedicated to tenancy issues, our team brings deep expertise and hands-on experience to help resolve your case.
Solicitor spotlight
Meet Daniel McAfee - one of our top solicitors for landlord-tenant legal advice. Daniel comes with over 10 years of experience and a proven track record in landlord and tenant law, housing disrepair and complex dispute resolution. Here's what his clients have to say:
Review | Rating |
|---|
"First meeting with Daniel was great. Really knows his stuff and I really like his style!" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
"Clear, concise, and transparent. Made things very easy to understand, and achieved an incredible result in my case." | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
*All reviews are from real Lawhive clients, though names have been removed for privacy.
What is the legal process for landlord and tenant disputes?
The legal process for landlord and tenant disputes can change based on the nature and complexity of the issue, but it usually follows these steps:
Pre-action (before court): At this point, you try to solve the problem without going to court. You talk to the other side, follow ‘pre-action protocols’, send or respond to letters before action, and try to agree on a settlement.
Court action: If things don’t work out, you might need to go to court. If that is the case, this is the stage where you start or defend a claim in court by filing or responding to a claim form, submitting or challenging evidence, attending hearings, and following court orders.
Enforcement (after court): If the court makes a decision, you need to follow it. This could mean paying or receiving any money owed, leaving or regaining possession of the property, carrying out or requesting any repairs, or applying for or resisting any appeals.
Legal processes can take up a lot of time and cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s smart to get advice from a landlord and tenant solicitor as early on as possible. They can explain your rights and obligations, let you know if you have a strong case, help you figure out the best next steps, and even represent you in court if needed. It’s all about finding a solution that works for you and the outcome you’re looking for.
Common landlord and tenant disputes
Disagreements between landlords and tenants aren't uncommon. These are some of the most common disputes that our clients come to us with:
Rent issues
Rent issues tend to stem from late payments or unexpected rent price hikes. A solicitor can help by reviewing the lease terms, providing legal advice for renters and landlords, and negotiating resolutions to avoid litigation.
Ending a tenancy
Removing a tenant from a property can be stressful for all parties. There are legitimate ways to evict a tenant legally using a Section 21 or a Section 8 notice. An eviction solicitor can guide landlords through the entire process, ensuring all legal requirements are met, or assist tenants in defending against improper eviction actions.
Disrepair problems
Housing disrepair disputes commonly arise when essential repairs aren’t promptly addressed by landlords. A solicitor can help tenants by advocating for timely repairs or pursuing compensation for unaddressed issues. For landlords, a solicitor can guide on compliance and help to avoid disputes.
Tenancy deposit disputes
Tenants often expect their deposits back in full, while landlords may feel justified in making deductions for property upkeep. A solicitor can help by reviewing tenancy agreements, advising on deposit protection rules, and negotiating a fair resolution. If necessary, they can represent clients in dispute resolution or deposit protection schemes.
Rights and responsibilities under UK law
Landlords and tenants each have specific rights, responsibilities and obligations under key laws like the Landlord and Tenant Acts of 1954 and 1985, the Housing Act 2004, and the recent Renters Reform Bill 2023. Here’s a look at some of these rights and duties to help clarify what each party can expect and needs to fulfil.
Note: This is by no means an extensive list. For more in-depth information, brush up on the official guidance around landlord and tenant rights.
Landlord and tenant rights
Landlords | Tenants |
|---|
Get paid the right rent on time | Live in a safe, well-maintained property |
Increase rent (to a reasonable, fair amount) | Get their deposit back when the tenancy ends in the agreed timescale |
Access the property for inspections or repairs (with reasonable notice) | Question high charges, challenge rent increases, or negotiate unfair terms |
Evict tenants for valid reasons (like rent owed or anti-social behaviour) | Know who their landlord is |
Safeguard their property from misuse or damage. | Live in the property without disturbance |
| Be protected from illegal eviction, revenge eviction or rent hikes. |
Landlord and tenant obligations
Landlords | Tenants |
|---|
Provide a safe home that complies with health and safety regulations | Pay agreed rent and other charges (such as council tax or utility bills) |
Protect the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme | Take care of the property and report repairs needed |
Provide an Energy Performance Certificate for the property | Allow the landlord access to the property when required |
Give the tenant a copy of the most up-to-date ‘How To Rent' booklet | Respect their neighbours and not cause nuisance or annoyance |
Inspect properties and carry out repairs before tenants move in | Only sublet if the tenancy agreement allows it |
Establish that all tenants have the right to rent in the UK | |
References
