Long leaseholders often describe themselves as ‘owners’ and take the view that they can do pretty much what they like with their properties. An unusual case concerning a flat which was used as a brothel, however, showed that, no matter how long a tenancy may
Managing or controlling an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a crime punishable by an unlimited fine. In a case which should make every residential landlord sit up and take notice, the High Court has ruled that such an offence involves no mental element
A great many residential leases contain clauses which forbid tenants from removing their landlords’ fixtures – but what exactly does that mean? The Upper Tribunal (UT) considered that issue in the context of a tenant’s replacement of the front doors of his two flats. The
Emergency legislation and changes to court rules were rushed through in response to the COVID-19 crisis and only now are the consequences coming under detailed judicial scrutiny. In a case on point, the Court of Appeal rejected a challenge to the validity of the controversial
Housing associations give vital help to many of society’s most vulnerable members but sometimes have to harden their hearts and take firm action against tenants who engage in antisocial behaviour. In one case, however, an accused sheltered housing tenant saw off claims that he had
Some professional landlords may view their primary role as the collection of rent, but they owe wide duties to ensure the safety and reasonable comfort of their tenants. One landlord who signally failed to match up to those obligations found himself on the receiving end
Probably the most common complaint of flat dwellers is that service charges levied by their landlords are excessive. However, a case in which the Upper Tribunal (UT) cut a water charges bill by more than £10,000 showed that, with the right legal advice, they do
The Government is not immune to the law of unintended consequences and the High Court has found that legislators would be aghast if made aware of the discriminatory impacts of provisions designed to discourage private landlords from renting properties to illegal immigrants. Under the Immigration
Where tenants persistently run up rent arrears over extended periods, proceedings can become prolonged and successive possession orders can run into one another. In a ruling of interest to landlords and social housing providers, the Court of Appeal has given authoritative guidance on the correct
Do the common parts of an apartment building include the airspace above it and the subsoil beneath? In an important ruling in the context of leasehold enfranchisement, a tribunal has answered that question in the affirmative. A majority of residential tenants in a block of
