residential leases

overview

This group of specialist lawyers has been set up to deal with the particular requirements of clients needing advice on residential tenancies (whether as landlords or tenants) and on the many rights conferred by legislation on the owners of leasehold properties.

Recent changes in the law have made it easier for the owners of flats to buy their freeholds (collectively with other flat-owners) or to extend their leases. Although these legal rights were granted to leaseholders as far back as 1993, the enthusiasm of flat-owners to exercise these rights has never been greater than today. At Field Seymour Parkes we have a specialist team of property lawyers with considerable knowledge and experience of the whole enfranchisement process. This is a fast growing area of our practice and we consider that our approach to this type of work sets us apart from other law firms in the Thames Valley.

The key to a successful enfranchisement is teamwork between solicitor and client. When acting for a group of leaseholders wishing to exercise their collective right to buy a freehold, we always suggest an intial meeting with all the residents to discuss the procedure and to listen to any concerns. This meeting will often be held after work hours at or near the property and in most cases we are happy to provide this service free of charge. If the residents take the decision to proceed we will liaise closely with the appointed representatives (usually directors of a newly-established residents’ company) and provide detailed progress reports to participating residents throughout the process. With careful management, the purchase of the freehold of a block of flats can be successfully completed within a reasonable timeframe and within a reasonable budget.

As well as dealing with collective enfranchisements, our specialist team can help clients with individual lease extensions, service charge disputes, management problems, tenancy agreements and all other legal issues relating to residential leases.

We also act frequently for landlords and tenants granting or taking up residential tenancies. We can provide landlords with robust, well-drafted tenancy agreements and we are always happy to advise tenants on the terms of any agreement they are asked to sign.

For initial advice on any matter relating to residential tenancies or your statutory rights under leasehold legislation please contact a member of the group.