A Landlord’s Guide to Faster Evictions As a landlord in London, securing a Possession Order is often only half the battle. If you’ve reached the end of a legal process only to find yourself stuck in a months-long queue for a County Court bailiff, you aren’t alone. While you wait, rental arrears mount, mortgage payments […]
Important Legal Update: The End of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions Following the passing of the Renters’ Rights Act, the landscape of private renting in England is undergoing its most significant transformation in over 30 years. Effective from 1st May 2026, Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988—commonly known as the “no-fault” eviction process—will be officially abolished. This […]
Review the Tenancy Agreement: Verify whether the lease permits business use. Most ASTs restrict the property to residential purposes. Gather Evidence: Document indicators of commercial activity, such as business-related mail, increased traffic, or property alterations. Issue a Formal Notice: Landlords may serve a Section 8 notice under the Housing Act 1988 for tenancy violations or a Section 21 […]
Vadamalayan v Stewart & Ors (2020) UKUT 0183 (LC) – Emphasised total rent as the starting point for RRO calculations. Goldsbrough & Anor v CA Property Management Ltd & Ors [2019] UKUT 311 (LC) – Demonstrated that compliance with other obligations could reduce RRO amounts. Fallon v Wilson & Ors [2014] UKUT 0300 (LC) – Limited the RRO […]
Choose the Right Location London’s rental market varies significantly by area. Research tenant demand, transport links, employment hubs, and rental yields before purchasing. Areas with strong rental demand ensure consistent occupancy. Understand Your Target Tenant Different areas attract different tenants, such as young professionals, students, or families. Tailor your property features—like furnishings and amenities—to suit your ideal tenant. Know Your […]
Investigate Complaints: Gather evidence and confirm the validity of complaints. Communicate with the Tenant: Issue warnings and attempt informal resolutions. Serve a Section 8 Notice: Clearly state the grounds for possession and adhere to notice periods. Apply for Possession in Court: File the claim if the behaviour persists. Written complaints from neighbours or residents Reports from the police or […]
Ensure HMO Licensing Compliance HMOs require a licence from the local council if they house five or more people from different households. Some boroughs also have additional licensing schemes, so check local regulations to avoid fines or legal issues. Meet Strict Safety Regulations HMO landlords must comply with fire safety rules, gas safety checks, electrical safety inspections, and […]
Defending against an unlawful eviction claim can be both financially and reputationally challenging for landlords. Understanding the legal framework and available defences is crucial to ensuring compliance with the law while safeguarding property rights. This guide outlines key considerations for landlords, including tenant protections, potential legal defences, and the calculation of damages. Understanding Tenant Protections […]
