Case studies general advice provided by Landlord-law
Mr A was involved in the purchase of a flat and the subsequent letting of this on a five year lease to a limited company who were then going to use the property for providing serviced accommodation to customers. A standard form of agreement had been provided to him. He was unclear about various terms of this agreement and sought advice. Tessa went through the agreement with him and advised generally on the clauses that were giving him concern.
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Ms W had been served a notice seeking possession by her landlords in circumstances where she did not think it was justified, plus they were pressing her to vacate the property by the end of the notice period. Tessa checked the documents and was able to advise that the notice was not properly drafted and had no legal effect. Ms W could safely stay at the property without the risk of a possession order being made against her.
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Advising Mrs G, a solicitor, whose client was a landlord of an assured tenancy where the property was in disrepair. There were other complications as the landlord had contracted to sell the property to adjacent commercial tenants. The advice served to clarify matters for Mrs G who was then able to continue dealing with the matter herself.
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Mr L was in dispute with his tenants who were looking to leave the property early. They had replaced some of the kitchen equipment and curtains without Mr L's authority and were seeking compensation for this. Advising Mr L on his rights and obligations and reviewing a letter he had drafted to the tenants attempting to resolve the situation. Subsequently advising further on correspondence with the tenants.
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Advising Mr M who had allowed his ex girlfriend to stay on as a tenant in a house he had purchased while they were together and which they had previously lived in as a couple, although only for a short period. She was now claiming that she owned part of the equity in the property. Advising Mr M on the chances of her being able to sustain a claim of this nature (which were very remote) and setting out the steps he would need to take should he be unable to reach agreement with her and need to bring proceedings for possession.
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Advising Mr C who was in dispute with his former letting agency. Advising regarding his right to recover rental money withheld, and regarding the agencies liability for damage done to the property by the tenants. Also advising regarding correspondence with the agency and an offer of settlement made by them.
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Advising Mr and Mrs L whose landlords were carrying out repair works to the property they were renting which was causing them great personal inconvenience and interfering with their enjoyment of the property. Advising on their rights to claim compensation from the landlords and referring them to a local solicitor who would be able to assist them and advise further.
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Advising Mr A whose landlords were threatening to bring proceedings for possession based on rent arrears, whereas Mr A claimed that all outstanding rent had been paid. Advising Mr A on the nature of his tenancy (an assured tenancy) and his rights as regards rent increases by the landlord. Advising on a letter for him to write to his landlords refuting their claim.
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