Residential Landlord and Tenant Disputes
Landlord and tenant law can be complex, particularly where possession, rent arrears, deposits or tenancy reform are involved. We provide clear, practical advice to landlords and tenants on their rights, obligations and options when a dispute arises.
We can assist with a wide range of residential landlord and tenant matters, including the areas below.
Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and introduced significant changes to private residential tenancies.
From 1 May 2026, the tenancy reforms in Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Act came into force. Existing and new tenancies are now subject to the new regime, including the end of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and the abolition of Section 21 notices.
Several important changes now affect private landlords in England and Wales, including tenancy reform, letting practices and energy efficiency requirements.
Key changes at a glance
- Tenancy reform: From 1 May 2026, assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies. Fixed terms ended and Section 21 notices were abolished.
- Possession claims: Landlords must now rely on valid Section 8 grounds to recover possession.
- Rent increases: Landlords must generally use the formal Section 13 process to increase rent.
- Letting practices: New rules apply to rental bidding, rental discrimination, advertising practices and requests to keep pets.
- Energy efficiency: Further changes to EPC assessment and minimum energy efficiency standards are expected.
What this means for landlords
Landlords should review their tenancy documents, understand the new possession rules, check whether Making Tax Digital applies to them, improve record keeping and plan ahead for any required energy efficiency works. Landlords who use letting agents should also ensure that their agent is familiar with the new requirements.
To help landlords prepare, we have produced a checklist for existing tenancies transitioning to the new rules and for new tenancies entered into under the Act.
What this means for tenants
Tenants now have greater security because landlords can no longer use Section 21 notices. Tenants also have clearer rights in relation to rent increases, ending a tenancy, challenging unfair treatment and requesting permission to keep a pet.
Service of Notices
A landlord must serve the correct legal notice for the type of tenancy and the reason for seeking possession. If the tenant does not leave when the notice expires, a court order will usually be required. Early legal advice can help avoid defective notices, unnecessary delay and additional costs.
Possession Claims
We can assist landlords with possession claims under the reformed tenancy rules introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. As Section 21 “no fault” notices and the accelerated possession procedure are no longer available for most private rented tenancies, landlords will usually need to rely on the revised Section 8 procedure under the Housing Act 1988 and prove one or more statutory grounds for possession. These may include rent arrears, breach of tenancy, anti-social behaviour, sale of the property, or occupation by the landlord or a qualifying family member. We can advise you on the most suitable ground to rely on, prepare and serve the appropriate notice, issue the relevant court proceedings, obtain a possession order and assist with enforcement if required.
Rent Arrears Recovery
If a tenant has accrued rent arrears, we can advise on the available recovery options. This may include a possession claim based on rent arrears or a separate money claim through the County Court.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme Disputes
Landlords must protect a tenant’s deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. Failure to do so within the required timeframe may entitle the tenant to compensation. We advise landlords on compliance and assist tenants where a landlord may be in breach.
We offer an initial consultation with a qualified lawyer at any of our offices. Following the consultation, we can provide a clear estimate of costs.
To discuss your matter, please call your nearest office, listed at the top of the page, or send us a message.
