Property Disputes

We iron out property disputes—no matter how complex

We work with landlords, tenants, property developers, and housing associations to iron out property disputes—no matter how complex.

Our work falls into three broad categories—disputes you or your business are having with your neighbour, disputes connected to leases, and disputes related to property investments and purchases.

We can help you with:
Lease disputes

As a tenant, you have to adhere to the terms of your lease. And, as a landlord, you need to make sure that your tenants are doing just that. Here’s our explanation of the life cycle of a lease – with notes about how we can help you at each stage. To view and save a PDF copy of our guide to the life cycle of a lease please click here.

  1. New lease/lease renewals

When you move into a new, commercial property, you need to negotiate your lease. Or, if you’ve been there a while, you might need to renew it. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, our commercial property team can help you navigate this quickly and effectively.

  1. Maintaining the lease

We can help you make sure that the conditions of the lease are followed. If you’re a landlord, we’ll help you enforce the terms of your lease and, if you’re a tenant, we can advise on what you can do to stay compliant with the lease, and what your landlord’s responsibilities are to you.

Sometimes, circumstances arise where, for a variety of reasons, either the landlord or the tenant wants to break or end the lease that they’re in.

This might be because either side hasn’t been complying with their obligations, like if the tenant has fallen into rent arrears. We can advise you on what you’re legally able to do, whichever side you’re on. We’ll explain the legal justification for things like forfeiting a lease, and let you know what action you can take.

  1. Ending the lease / breaking or surrender

If, as a tenant, you want to leave or stay in a commercial lease, there are several legal considerations that you need to navigate. And, as a landlord, you might want to keep your tenants in place – or move them out swiftly.

If both sides agree, we can help you to achieve a smooth ‘surrender’ of the lease. If things get more complex or contentious, we can advise on aspects like break clauses and forfeiture, and how to approach those.

  1. Leaving the property

When you leave a property, your lease will contain a clause that explains the state you have to leave it in.

Sometimes, this means removing everything, and giving the landlord ‘vacant possession’. If you don’t follow these instructions carefully, your breaking of the lease might be invalid – so you need to make sure it’s done properly, as you’ll normally only get one chance.

We can also advise on dilapidations – from both a landlord and tenant perspective – to make sure you’re not unfairly left out of pocket for dilapidations that aren’t your fault.

And, if you’re contesting the renewal of a lease – whether you’re the landlord or tenant – we can guide you through that, too. Normally, tenants have an automatic right to a new tenancy, unless there are exceptional situations. We can discuss all options with you at every stage.

Landowner disputes

Sometimes, getting along with your neighbours – whether residential or commercial – isn’t easy. Disputes with those next door to you can cause all sorts of problems for your property and business.

Whether a neighbouring business has constructed a building that blocks out all your sunlight, you’re experiencing a nuisance – like noises or smells – or you’ve had your right of way obscured, we can help.

We advise on:

  • Rights to light
  • Nuisance
  • Rights of way
  • Trespass and boundaries
  • Adverse possession (squatters’ rights)
  • Restrictive covenants.

Disputes about buying, selling, or investing in property

Whether you own land that you’d like to sell, you’re interested in developing a piece of land and need an option over it, or you’re an investor with a commercial interest, buying and selling property can be complex.

It’s not unusual for disputes to happen somewhere along the line, but we can help.

Alongside our commercial property team, who can draft and negotiate all the agreements you need, we’re on hand for when something goes wrong. We’ll look at your agreements and contracts, get involved with mediation, and support you through litigation, if it gets that far.

 

 

Renting Homes Wales Act

How can Capital help?

There is no denying that the Act is complicated to navigate not least because numerous subordinate legislation must be read alongside it. We understand the Act and have built up expertise in tailoring agreements to suit each landlord’s specific needs.

We have worked with landlords from a number of sectors including the following;

  • Education
  • Housing Associations
  • Private Landlords
  • Charities

We can assist with:

  • Drafting new occupancy contracts as required under the new regime
  • Undertaking an audit of the current occupation contracts that you have in place, and advise on how to improve/tailor to avoid common pitfalls under the Act
  • Assisting with possession claims under the Act (including instances of anti-social behaviour and serious rental arrears)
  • Advising and preparing occupation contracts for specific circumstances such as; domestic violence temporary accommodation, student placements, accommodation for employees etc
  • Provide bespoke training on the Fitness For Human Habitation obligations and how to ensure you can successfully defend disrepair claim.

Their communication is fantastic. They kept us updated and have done everything to make the process clear and straightforward.

Chambers & Partners
2017