Landmark Renters’ Rights Bill — Implications for Private Residential Landlords
Residential landlords will need to shape up for the forthcoming legislation set out in the Renters’ Rights Bill put forward by the government. The banning of Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 as a method for evictions will provide greater security for tenants, alongside a raft of other proposed changes. Smaller scale landlords, in particular, are likely to be affected by the changes.
Business First Magazine - Spring 2024
Welcome to the Spring 24 edition of our Business First magazine.
What is Contentious Probate, and how does it affect me?
Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it can be especially hard in cases where disputes arise in relation to their Will or Estate.
Japanese Knotweed - Updated Guidance
Surveyors have updated their guidance on invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed when valuing property, but landowners and homeowners should continue to keep on top of their responsibilities in controlling this and other invasive, non-native plants.
How to deal with a boundary dispute
Warm weather and longer days see a surge in garden maintenance every year, and where householders improve and replace fencing, boundary disputes are sure to follow…
Judge rules to uphold deathbed Will
The England & Wales High Court has upheld a Will executed on his deathbed by a man who left everything to his long-term partner. Lee Foster, Director and Will Dispute specialist said, “The law provides individuals with wide discretion on how their estate should be distributed on their death; although there are specific circumstances under which this discretion can be challenged”.
Will the new video witnessing laws cause a rise in future Will disputes?
Lee Foster, Dispute Resolution Solicitor and ACTAPS member considers this.
Things you can do to avoid a building dispute
Daughter loses High Court battle over mother’s estate after judge rules Will was forged
A Nottinghamshire man who took his sister to court over claims she faked her mother’s Will in a bid to unlawfully claim almost half of her estate has today spoken of his relief after the High Court ruled that the document was a forgery.
Without Prejudice
Do you know what the legal phrase “without prejudice” means?, Rob Stubbs, Head of Dispute Resolution at Banner Jones said, “This is a term that is used by lawyers and is often misused by litigants when they communicate with the people with whom they are in dispute prior to involving their solicitor”.
Making the UK safe online!
Swifter justice for London bus and tube fare dodgers
Disputes Over Land: Love Thy Neighbour
Disputes over ownership of strips of land between two properties are all too common, and usually arise from a mis-drawn boundary map. However, a recent case in the Appeal Court resulted in the apparently farcical decision that two neighbours each possessed a valid registered title to the same strip of land 4 metres long by 2 metres wide. But, Rob Stubbs, Head of Dispute Resolution says “Although this sounds crazy, the decision actually enabled the position to be tidied up rather neatly.”
Who Owns Their Web Name?
You might think that you would have the right to stop your name being used in a web address without your consent. But you’d be wrong.
Ignorance as a Defence in Law
There are in fact circumstances where ignorance is a perfectly valid defence.
Pressure on litigation costs from “Proportionality”
New rules on the losing side paying the costs of the winning side in litigation can leave “winners” significantly out of pocket.
When should a person’s dying wishes be ignored?
A disputed will has recently been sent to the Court of Appeal to determine whether an estranged daughter is entitled to money from her mother’s estate.
Online Courts Proposed
Proposals have been put forward for online paperless courts that would enable people to settle civil disputes of up to £25,000.
