The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has, today, published its final phase of the report to examine the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fire at Grenfell Tower on the night of 14 June 2017.  The report highlights significant deficiencies in the current building safety regulations and is likely to have a major impact on the construction industry, manufacturers and property owners.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“the Act”) introduces several significant changes affecting enfranchisement, making it easier and more cost-effective for residential leaseholders to extend their leases or purchase the freehold of their properties. The key impacts on enfranchisement are set out in this article.  

The government has now published the first draft of the Renters (Reform) Bill 2023. The Bill outlines several proposals which are hoped to establish a fairer private rented sector for both landlords and tenants across the UK.

On 9 November 2021, the Government announced new legislation and a Code of Practice to resolve commercial rent arrears that accrued during the pandemic. The new legislation is intended to take effect once the current moratorium, which protects commercial tenants from eviction, ends on 25 March 2022.

Current estimates indicate that the total commercial rent arrears between the March and December quarters in 2020 reached £4.2bn. With the current moratorium on forfeiture due to end on 30 June 2021, commercial landlords are having to look at their options very seriously.

With all non-essential shops opening on Monday 15 June and the June quarter’s rent (which usually falls due on 24 June) imminent, commercial landlords and tenants are being encouraged to discuss the position and work out commercial solutions, which are likely to involve varying the terms of their current arrangements.

It is possible to terminate an assured shorthold tenancy during the term by service of a notice under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 (“HA 1988”). This can include a number of potential grounds for possession which are split into “mandatory grounds” or “discretionary grounds”.

It is possible to terminate an assured shorthold tenancy after the term (or under a break clause in the lease) by serving a notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. However, it is important to ensure that the additional requirements, prior to service of the notice, have been complied with fully otherwise the notice will be invalid.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 (CVA 2020) has changed the landscape for thousands of residential landlords and tenants, following a decision by the Government, which has effectively suspended residential possession proceedings for three months.

With six specialist lawyers providing expert advice, we offer a highly experienced, partner-led, cost-effective service. We aim to resolve disputes quickly and pragmatically, to achieve the best outcome for all our clients.