Landlord & Tenant

Our lawyers are industry experts on Leasehold Reform legislation, including enfranchisement, lease extensions and Right to Manage, where we have a leading reputation.

We are founding and committee members of ALEP, (the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners); an organisation committed to promoting excellence and best practice in the industry. Mark Chick is a director of ALEP and sits on its committee.

The team deals with a variety of issues affecting leasehold properties and works closely with the dispute resolution and commercial property teams, to provide sound advice on a range of matters.

Our profile and reputation in Landlord & Tenant matters means we are a leading ‘go to’ firm. Our specialist knowledge ensures our advice adds real commercial value and is of the highest quality.

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill

The proposal for a Leasehold and Freehold Bill featured in the King’s Speech on 7 November 2023, This demonstrates an ongoing and determined commitment by the government to reform of the residential leasehold sector – and for leaseholders and freeholders, there are immediate questions and considerations.

Should I extend my lease or wait for leasehold reform?

If you are a leaseholder and you want to know what the reforms mean to you, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions here.

Please visit our news pages for all updates.

What does the Leasehold Reform Bill mean for me?

We have also prepared these guides:

• The Leasehold and Freehold Bill – The leaseholder’s perspective November 23
• The Leasehold and Freehold Bill – The freeholder’s perspective November 23

How We Can Help

There are essentially two types of legal estate in which a property can be owned – freehold and leasehold.

The law relating to leaseholds generally is an area that is sometimes prone to difficulty, as there is no such thing as a “standard” form of lease. Issues that often arise concerning residential leasehold property that we deal with regularly include:

• Acting for Tenants individually or collectively in the purchase of their freehold or extending their leases under the Leasehold Reform legislation
• Acting for Landlords in relation to notices served by tenants
• The renewal of leases on an informal basis
• Licences to alter
• Licences to assign
• Variations and amendments to existing leases
• Advice concerning the extent of ownership under a lease
• Confirmation of the extent of repairing obligations
• Missing or absentee Landlords
• Disputes over service charges

In addition we can help with the following in relation to commercial property:

• Disputes over service charges
• Landlords’ portfolio management
• Problem Tenants
• Taking action against other professional advisors
• Recommending and coordinating the involvement of other professionals (such as valuers or surveyors)
• Negotiation of terms for the grant or renewal of business leases

Click here to access our lease extension calculator.

Contact our Landlord & Tenant Solicitors

Our friendly and professional team are experts in Landlord and Tenant matters. Call us today on 0207 631 4141 or email us on leasehold@bishopandsewell.co.uk and one of our experts will be able to advise your best course of action going forward.

Landlord & Tenant Solicitors

Mark Chick Senior Partner   +44 (0)20 7079 2415

Chris Macartney Partner   +44 (0)20 7079 4130

Clare Groom Senior Associate   +44 (0)20 7079 4198

Stephen Charnock Senior Associate   +44 (0)20 7079 4131

Karina Kapur Associate Solicitor   +44 (0)20 7079 3643

Tom Morgan Solicitor   +44 (0)20 7631 4141

Matthew Davies Trainee Solicitor   +44(0)20 7079 2412

Giles Stratton Paralegal   +44(0)20 7079 4134

Isabella Smeby Paralegal   +44 (0)20 7631 4141