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Renters’ Rights Act

Renters’ Rights Act: why process and paperwork matter more than ever for landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act has now passed into law, marking one of the most significant shifts in the private rented sector in a generation. Most of the new measures will take effect in May 2026, with a national landlord database to follow later in the year. For now, landlords are being urged to use the lead-in time to review how they manage tenancies and to stress-test their processes and paperwork, which will be increasingly important in future. The Act is designed to strengthen tenant protections and improve standards across the…

Conveyancing

What Does a Conveyancer Do?

As the UK marks National Conveyancing Month in March, it is a timely opportunity to highlight the vital role conveyancers play in buying and selling property. Purchasing or selling a home in England and Wales involves far more than agreeing on a price and collecting the keys. A conveyancer plays a central role in ensuring the transaction is legally sound, properly documented, and completed without unnecessary risk or delay. From conducting legal checks and managing contracts to handling funds and registering ownership, your conveyancer protects your interests at every stage…

Inheritance Act

Inheritance Act Claims and Letters of Wishes: Managing Risk in Estate Planning

Even a carefully drafted will does not always bring matters to an end. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to apply to the court for financial provision if a will or the intestacy rules fail to make reasonable provision for them. One practical way to reduce the risk of disputes is to use a well-thought-out Letter of Wishes. This article explains how the 1975 Act works, who can bring a claim, and how Letters of Wishes can help provide clarity and context after death.…

A New Year Wills Healthcheck

Is your Will still fit for purpose?

The start of a new year is often a prompt to get things in order - reviewing finances, updating records and planning for the year ahead. One important document that is often overlooked after it’s been signed, however, is a Will. Many people assume that once a Will is in place, the job is done and it can be forgotten about. In reality, even a well-drafted Will can cause significant difficulty if it is outdated, unclear, or cannot be located when it is needed. We recently dealt with a matter…

Banks During Probate

The Hidden Struggles Executors Face with Banks During Probate

Settling a loved one’s estate is never easy. Executors take on the legal responsibility of managing the deceased’s financial affairs — from closing bank accounts to distributing assets — all while grieving. Unfortunately, a recent Which? report shows that many banks are making this process far more difficult than it needs to be. Inconsistent Processes Create Uncertainty Every bank seems to have its own probate rules, forms, and timelines. What one institution will release without a grant of probate, another will insist requires full legal documentation — even for small…

Dilapidations Explained

Dilapidations Explained: What Commercial Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Dilapidations are a common source of dispute at the end of a commercial lease. They can involve significant sums of money and often come as an unwelcome surprise to tenants who believed they had left a property in reasonable condition. Understanding what dilapidations cover and how claims are assessed is essential for both landlords and tenants navigating the end of a lease. At their core, dilapidations are about whether a tenant has complied with their lease obligations regarding the property's physical condition. What a landlord can legitimately claim, and what…

Leaving Charitable Gifts in Your Will

Mind the energy gap: commercial landlords face a closing window on EPC compliance

A chilly draught is blowing through the commercial property market, as tightening EPC rules mean landlords must seal the gaps in energy performance before key deadlines shut them out of future lettings. Under current proposals, the minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating for commercial properties is set to increase from E to B, with legal prohibitions on letting non-compliant buildings. For many landlords, this will demand significant investment and forward planning to avoid regulatory penalties or stranded assets. What’s changing and what’s at stake The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards –…

Leaving Charitable Gifts in Your Will

Leaving Charitable Gifts in Your Will

Leaving a charitable gift in your will is an easy, impactful way to support causes you care about. Whether it’s a fixed sum, a specific item, or a share of your residuary estate, legacy giving can create a lasting difference — and it can be tax-efficient. Gifts to UK-qualifying charities are usually exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT). Ways to leave a gift to charity Pecuniary gift: a specified sum of money to a named charity. Specific gift: a particular item (e.g. property, jewellery, artwork, shares). Residuary gift: all or a…

Law in England

What You Need to Know About Lodgers and the Law in England

Taking in a lodger can be a sensible way to earn extra income while making the most of spare space in your home. But before you offer a room, it’s important to understand the legal rules, the rights a lodger has, and your responsibilities as the homeowner. What Exactly Is a Lodger? A lodger is someone who rents a room in your home and shares facilities such as the kitchen, bathroom, or living room with you. Because you also live there, the arrangement is different from renting out a self-contained…

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