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Repair Obligations

Repair Obligations in Residential Tenancies

When something goes wrong in a rented home, the first question is usually the simplest one to ask and the hardest to answer: whose job is it to fix it? The answer depends on what has broken, what the tenancy agreement says, and, increasingly, on which side of the England and Wales border the property sits. The two nations now run noticeably different systems. This article looks at how repair obligations work for ordinary residential lettings in England and in Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate rules…

Holiday Lets

Holiday lets: what owners and buyers need to know now

High summer is when holiday lets earn their keep. Coastal cottages, lakeside cabins and city flats are booked solid, and every sunny week makes the idea of owning one look more appealing. But the rules that once made a furnished holiday let such an attractive proposition have changed significantly, and more change is on the way. If you own a holiday let, or you are tempted to buy or convert one this year, it is worth understanding where the law now stands. This article covers England and Wales, which increasingly…

For Sale

Homeowners urged to get ‘move ready’ as pressure grows

In a housing market where mortgage rates can shift on global headlines and property chains remain painfully fragile, homeowners are being urged to get “move ready” before putting their property on the market or starting their property search. The call comes as the property sector pushes for faster and more streamlined conveyancing amid wider economic uncertainty. Major lenders and property businesses are investing in digital systems designed to reduce delays, cut fall-through rates and speed up transactions. A government-backed open property coalition is working to accelerate the digitisation of homebuying,…

New Build Contract

What to Check in a New Build Contract

Buying a new build property is an exciting prospect. The appeal of a brand-new home, untouched by previous owners and often built to modern energy efficiency standards, is entirely understandable. But beneath the show-home finish lies a legal process that carries real risk if approached without care. Unlike a standard resale purchase, new build contracts are typically drafted by the developer’s solicitors and, unsurprisingly, they tend to favour the developer. Completion timelines, specification details, and financial obligations can all be defined in ways that protect the builder rather than the…

Mixed-Use Property and the Renters

Mixed-Use Property and the Renters’ Rights Act

Mixed-use properties (buildings that combine commercial premises with residential accommodation) are a familiar feature of the UK’s towns and high streets. The flat above the shop, the office with a caretaker’s dwelling, the converted warehouse with a ground-floor retail unit: these are common arrangements, and they attract buyers ranging from small investors to established property businesses. From 1 May 2026, anyone owning or acquiring such a property needs to understand that the residential element will be governed by a significantly reformed legal framework. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the…

Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Key Points for Landlords

From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the “Act”) introduces significant changes to the law governing assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England. These changes do not apply to common law tenancies or genuine licences. This summary reflects the law as understood on 2 April 2026. Further secondary legislation or guidance may alter some details. Changes from 1 May 2026 Existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) All existing ASTs will automatically become assured periodic tenancies (APTs). These will no longer have a fixed term and will instead…

Home Improvements

When Do You Need Planning Permission for Home Improvements

Whether you are dreaming of a new extension, converting your loft, or simply updating the front of your property, one of the first questions you should ask is: “Do I need planning permission?” The answer is not always straightforward and getting it wrong can be both costly and stressful. It pays to understand the basics before you pick up the phone to a builder. What is planning permission? Planning permission is formal approval from your local planning authority (LPA) that you need before carrying out certain types of building work…

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…

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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