Landlord & Tenant Solicitors: Evictions, Renters' Rights & Disrepair Claims
In the UK, housing law is a complex area that covers the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved in the renting of property. It includes regulations on security of tenure, eviction procedures, maintenance and repair obligations, and the handling of deposits, among other things. The law aims to balance the interests of landlords and tenants, providing protection against unfair practices and ensuring that both parties fulfil their contractual and legal obligations. With the Labour government’s Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act rolling out in late 2026 — including the new Private Rented Sector Database and the Landlord Ombudsman — the legal landscape is changing rapidly. Whether you are a landlord needing to navigate the new rules or a tenant facing eviction or disrepair, our landlord and tenant solicitors provide clear, practical advice.
The Renters’ Rights Act and what it means for you. The phased implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act has fundamentally reshaped the landlord and tenant landscape in England and Wales. For landlords, the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions means possession can only be obtained through specified grounds — and the process demands strict procedural compliance. For tenants, the new regime brings enhanced security of tenure, but also new responsibilities and deadlines. Getting the detail right matters: a single procedural error can delay possession by months or derail a valid claim entirely.
Housing disrepair claims. Tenants have a statutory right to live in a property that is safe, habitable and free from serious disrepair. Landlords are responsible for structural integrity, heating and hot water, damp and mould, and electrical safety. Where a landlord fails to act, tenants can pursue disrepair claims for compensation, rent reductions and injunctions requiring the works to be done. For landlords, ignoring disrepair is rarely the cheaper option — claims can escalate to significant compensation plus the cost of remedial works and legal fees.
Protecting deposits and avoiding disputes. Tenancy deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, with prescribed information served on the tenant. Failure to do so can expose landlords to penalties of up to three times the deposit. We advise on deposit compliance, and on resolving disputes at the end of the tenancy, including contested deductions.
Defending possession claims. Not every possession claim is straightforward. Where the paperwork, the deposit protection, or the notice procedure is defective, a possession claim can fail. Whether you are a landlord seeking possession on mandatory or discretionary grounds, or a tenant defending a claim, early specialist advice protects your position and your money.
our services
Tyndel Solicitors offers a comprehensive range of services in housing law for both landlords and tenants across England and Wales:
For Landlords:
- Eviction proceedings (Section 8 and Section 21 notices)
- Service of notice seeking possession
- Court representation for possession claims
- Ground 1A possession (selling the property) — including the 12-month re-letting ban
- Rent arrears management and recovery
- Mortgage arrears possession and eviction
- Defending against disrepair claims
- Tenancy agreement drafting and review
- Renters’ Rights Act Phase 2 compliance advice
- Leasehold dispute resolution
For Tenants:
- Defending possession claims and eviction proceedings
- Bringing counterclaims for disrepair and unlawful eviction
- Applying for injunctions against harassment by landlords
- Challenging unfair contract terms and unfair rent increases
- Tenancy deposit disputes and protection issues
- Securing repairs through the courts
- Claims for housing disrepair compensation
- Protecting against illegal eviction (changing locks, cutting off utilities, harassment)
- Applying for rent repayment orders against rogue landlords
- Challenging retaliatory eviction
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — Phase 2 (Late 2026)
The Labour government is introducing two major new enforcement tools:
- The PRS Database: A mandatory online register of all landlords and rental properties being rolled out area by area from late 2026. Tenants will be able to check their landlord’s registration status.
- The PRS Landlord Ombudsman: A free, independent complaints service for tenants, with binding powers to order apologies, remedial action, and compensation. Landlords must be members (funded by a charging model). Expected to launch by 2028.
The Ground 1A Trap
Landlords considering selling their property should be aware of the new Ground 1A possession rules. If you serve notice under Ground 1A:
- You cannot use it within the first 12 months of the tenancy
- You must give 4 months’ notice
- You cannot re-let the property for 12 months after possession
- Breaching the re-letting ban could result in penalties of up to £40,000
If your sale falls through, you cannot re-let the property during the 12-month restricted period. Get legal advice before serving this notice.
Serviced accommodation and HMO compliance: Landlords operating houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) face additional licensing and safety duties — fire risk assessments, smoke alarms, electrical and gas safety certificates, and compliance with local authority licensing schemes. Failure to comply can result in fines, rent repayment orders, and restrictions on serving notices. We advise HMO landlords on meeting their obligations and responding to enforcement action.
Why Choose Tyndel Solicitors for Landlord & Tenant Matters?
We advise both landlords and tenants, giving us a balanced understanding of the law from both perspectives. Our team has extensive experience in possession proceedings, disrepair claims, and unlawful eviction cases. We are regulated by the SRA and offer competitive fixed fees for most matters. Contact us on 0208 154 3131 for a consultation.