Property Disputes Team helps local landlords
The Leathes Prior Property Disputes Team advises a local landlord on forfeiture in respect of two of its units and a residential landlord on a complex residential possession claim.
Leathes Prior's Property Disputes Team recently advised a local commercial landlord on forfeiture in respect of two of its units on a business park in Hoveton, Norfolk.
The landlord complained of breaches including;
- Failure to pay rent and utilities;
- Breach of user covenant;
- Nuisance; and
- Causing environmental damage.
The matter came before the Court at a first hearing, and with the assistance of Counsel, the team were able to obtain an order for forfeiture of both units together with an order that the tenant pay the entirety of the landlord’s costs. Such an order, particularly at the first hearing, is an excellent result and reflects the team’s preparation and time taken to understand the landlord client’s needs and the impact of the various breaches complained of.
In addition to the above, our Property Disputes Team has also recently advised a residential landlord on a particularly complex and difficult residential possession claim, involving defences advanced by the tenant including;
- Failure on the part of the landlord to properly serve prescribed information in respect of the tenancy deposit;
- Failure to provide a valid energy performance certificate;
- Breach by the landlord in relation to the Equality Act 2010;
- The tenant’s alleged disability under the 2010 Act; and
- Steps taken in the litigation including service of notice and the bringing of possession proceedings were in breach of the 2010 Act and no possession order could be made.
Following the careful gathering and review of evidence, our team were able to reach settlement of the matter, persuading the tenant to discontinue the entirety of the defences advanced and returning possession of the property to the landlord.
Our Property Disputes Team is led by Partner Darren Bowen, supported by Associate Danny Turpin, Litigation Executive Tomas Hayden and recently qualified Solicitors Georgia Sartin and Maggie Berry. The team covers the entire range of property litigation work including residential and commercial property disputes for landlords and tenants.
If you require any assistance, please do contact our Property Disputes Team via email at info@leathesprior.co.uk or by telephone at 01603 610911
.jpg)
Maternity Services in England: Recent Reports and What They Mean for Families
In a follow up to our recent article on maternity safety, Polly Langford, Partner in our Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team has written on the findings of the Ockenden Report and what this means for families.
Competing uses of farmland - what the new Land Use Framework means for your business
The Government has published the Land Use Framework – which DEFRA says is “a plan for delivering new homes, nature restoration, clean energy and food security." Rebecca Allen, Senior Associate in our Agriculture Team explains what this means and what to consider for your business.
Maternity Services in England: Recent Reports and What They Mean for Families
In a follow up to our recent article on maternity safety, Polly Langford, Partner in our Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team has written on the findings of the Ockenden Report and what this means for families.
Competing uses of farmland - what the new Land Use Framework means for your business
The Government has published the Land Use Framework – which DEFRA says is “a plan for delivering new homes, nature restoration, clean energy and food security." Rebecca Allen, Senior Associate in our Agriculture Team explains what this means and what to consider for your business.
Changes to qualifying period: Time to rethink probation periods?
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period is reducing from two years to six months. But the reality is that the new law will apply to all employees who have already accumulated at least six months of continuous employment by this date. This means that now is the right time for employers to be reviewing their employment contracts and rethinking strategies on probationary periods.
Proposals for reform of cohabitation rights on the death of a cohabitating partner
Georgia Sartin, a Solicitor in our Property and Contentious Probate Team explores the government’s recent open consultation ‘a fairer end to relationships’ published on 5 June 2026, , in respect of the proposals for reform for cohabitants in the intestacy framework and 1975 Act claims.
%20cropped.jpg)
Who is accountable for maternity safety? The case for a maternity commissioner following the birth trauma inquiry.
The safety of maternity services in England has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, now, a national campaign has been launched for the appointment of a dedicated Maternity Commissioner.
What is the difference between a share sale and an asset sale?
When running a business, company founders and shareholders will inevitably, at one stage or another, want to consider potential succession options, the most prominent being an exit by way of trade sale. Hugo Persad, Trainee Solicitor in our Corporate Team provides an overview of what the difference is between a share sale and an asset sale.
UK GDPR Update: What the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 Means for Organisations
While several updates under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 came into force on 5 February 2026, the next key development for organisations is still to come. From 19 June 2026, organisations will be legally required to implement a formal complaint handling process for data protection matters. This is a significant shift, placing greater emphasis on resolving issues internally before they escalate to the regulator.
.jpg)
Selling a Probate Property: A Guide for Executors
Acting as an Executor can feel daunting, especially if there is a property which needs to be sold as part of the estate administration process. If you have been appointed as an Executor and you are unsure where to begin, here are some key things to consider.
%20website.jpg)
Leathes Prior's Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team Secure Settlement for Client
Kate Smith (Senior Associate) and Kimberley Nelson (Paralegal) were instructed in relation to a workplace personal injury claim, and successfully secured a five-figure settled for the client.
.jpg)
New Restrictions to Charitable Giving: What You Need to Know
Changes to UK tax law regarding charitable giving took effect from 6 April 2026. Following legislative amendments in the Finance Act 2025-26, the generous tax exemptions associated with charitable gifts - specifically Inheritance Tax (IHT) exemptions - will be restricted to gifts to UK-registered charities. Ejike Ndaiji, Partner in our Wills, Trusts, & Probate and Charities Team explains...
Employment Rights Act 2026: The New Trade Union Right Of Access - Will it matter?
The Government has now published its response to the “Make Work Pay: Trade Union Right of Access” consultation which means we are now one step closer to properly understanding what these new access rights really will be.
%20cropped.jpg)
-3.jpg)
