Landlord loses possession claim after failing to prove HMO exemption
March 10th 2026The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is coming soon, with the first phase commencing from 1st May 2026, which includes the abolishment of section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Landlords will still be able to serve, and rely on, a section 21 notice up to the end of April. However, landlords should bear in mind that it is more important than ever to get things right to ensure any section 21 notice…
High Court injunction breaks deadlock between opposing directors
February 17th 2026The High Court has intervened to break a boardroom stalemate between two equal blocs of directors and shareholders, ordering a company to circulate written resolutions that could lead to the appointment of an independent director. Mark Aspin Director and Head of Dispute Resolution reports on this recent case. The case arose from a long-running deadlock at ESMS Global Ltd, where Simon and Jennifer Webster on one side and Rajesh and Sarita Sood on…
How will the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 impact landlords?
January 30th 2026The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades. Coming into force on1st May 2026, the legislation will affect how tenancies operate, how rent is reviewed and how landlords meet new compliance standards. Understanding the key changes early will help landlords prepare, protect rental income and avoid penalties. What’s changing? From ending fixed term tenancies to new rules for tenants with children and…
Court of Appeal confirms that simple email exchange created binding contract
January 13th 2026The Court of Appeal has ruled that a brief exchange of emails was enough to create a legally binding commercial contract, even though the parties expected to sign a longer written agreement later. The court said that where key terms are agreed and both sides behave as if a deal is done, the law will treat it as binding. Joseph Halvorsen, Solicitor Apprentice, reports on this recent case. The case…
Roadmap published for implementation of Renters Rights Act
November 20th 2025Following the Renters Rights Act 2025 receiving Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, the government has published its roadmap for implementation. The legislation will be introduced in three phases, with several key changes taking effect from as early as 1st May 2026. These include the banning of no-fault evictions (otherwise known as Section 21 evictions), fixed-term tenancy contracts and rent bidding, among other changes. The MHCLG Policy Paper, published on…
Court rules on tenancy deposit information after scheme transfer
November 4th 2025A County Court appeal has clarified when landlords must serve fresh deposit information if a tenant’s money is moved between protection schemes. Laura Murphy, Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update. The issue arose after the tenant paid a deposit that was protected in the MyDeposits scheme. Prescribed information was served correctly at that stage. The landlords later transferred the deposit to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) custodial…
New Renters’ Rights Act – What It Means for Landlords
October 29th 2025The government’s new Renters’ Rights Act has now received Royal Assent, introducing sweeping reforms to the private rental sector in England. While much of the media focus has been on the 11 million tenants who will benefit, it’s equally important that landlords understand how these changes affect their rights and responsibilities. Rob Winder, Senior Associate Chartered Legal Executive and Head of Property Litigation in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update. At the…
High Court rules in favour of driving instructors in franchise dispute
October 21st 2025A group of driving instructors have won their High Court case against their franchise company after the judge found it had breached an implied duty of good faith in their agreements. Mark Aspin Director and Head of Dispute Resolution reports on this recent case. The court ruled that the instructors were entitled to treat their franchise contracts as terminated, after concluding that the franchisor’s conduct had undermined the trust and confidence central to…
Director’s ‘sincere belief’ no defence to breach of duty, rules Court of Appeal
September 30th 2025The Court of Appeal has ruled that a company director cannot avoid liability for breaching duties by arguing that they acted sincerely in what they thought was the best interests of the business. Lewis Jackson, Trainee Solicitor working in our Business Services team, reports on this recent case: The case, Saxon Woods Investments Ltd v Costa, concerned a shareholders’ agreement which required the parties to “work together in good faith…
Most landlords ‘unaware they’re legally required to have an EPC’
September 8th 2025A new report by The Mortgage Works reveals a striking lack of awareness among UK landlords about energy efficiency rules – with 62% unaware that having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for rental properties. Laura Murphy, Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update. This widespread knowledge gap could undermine the government’s ambition to make the rental sector greener, with new minimum energy standards due…
