RESIDENTIAL DISPUTES & LITIGATION
We guide you through disputes & litigation
Service Charge Disputes
Disputes over services charges can occur in residential properties and it’s important that you seek expert advice as early in the process as possible to avoid any unnecessary expense or inconvenience.
If you’re facing a dispute over residential service charges we can help you answer the following questions:
- Is any repair work being carried out an improvement?
- Is the quality of any work done adequate?
- Are new service charges reasonable and properly payable?
- Have you incurred a claimable loss because of delays?
What can and can’t be recovered through a service charge comes down to the correct interpretation of your lease. We can provide accurate advice on any liabilities you should and should not be facing and advise you on the reasonableness of any demand.
Section 20 Disputes
Before carrying out major works to a residential property, a landlord must follow the procedures and issue the Statutory Notices set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (often known simply as “Section 20”).
This is probably the most common sort of dispute regarding residential property and this area of law has led to a number of high profile disputes, especially when following the more stringent measures introduced in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.
If you are a Landlord considering repair and/or maintenance work it is vital that you obtain high quality professional advice as to the reasonable cost and liability for the work. We are regularly asked to advise and assist on cases in this area, and have been key to high profile cases over recent years. So if you have any questions about Section 20, get in touch for a no obligation discussion.
Residential Dispute Expert Witnesses
As RICS Registered Valuers, we act for clients in property related disputes as an Expert Witness or Joint Witness. We have a reputation for offering thorough, insightful and – most importantly – down to earth advice, and have acted for clients in a number of high profile disputes.
Additionally, if you feel the value of the case does not merit either a commercial property solicitor or barrister but you need expert advice and support, we may be able to act for you in a dual role as both advocate and expert. This is a very cost effective option for getting the best outcome from smaller disputes.
If you’re facing a dispute, or just want some advice to be certain of your position, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll talk you through the options available to you. And don’t forget, there is never any obligation to retain our services if you don’t feel they’re right for you.
TESTIMONIALS
What clients say about our work
TESTIMONIALS
What clients say about our work
“IMA Industries were recommended Michael Selwyn by a mutual contact. Our development has had some issues to sought out, highlighted and pursued by Selwyn. His experience and reputation gives a professional team the urgency and the oversight required in order for the Principal to commercially gain from transactions. He is a valued member of the team who sits on our side of the table – we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to our peers.”
Ishil Mehta, IMA Industries
“Your clarity and detail in relation to the survey report provided for me was top notch and exactly in line with the kind of high class work I have come to expect from you. It gave me peace of mind in knowing the propery I was purchasing was not in any way a poor decision, and the elements you highlighted in relation to making sure the property was up to scratch meant I could move in knowing that although there was some work to be carried out there was nothing untoward.”
Paul Richardson, St James's Place Wealth Management
“I have worked with Selwyn on numerous matters over many years. He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and easy to deal with. He can always be relied upon to provide a practical and commercial solution to any problem. Always my first port of call when a knotty problem arises.”
Alison Baldwin, Downs Solicitors LLP