Commercial Property Litigation

Know your rights

The Government has issued a new consultation paper which could indicate the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (“ASTs”). The paper asks for views on the impact of removing ASTs and whether they should be ended without tenant fault, whether the...

You're too noisy!

Are you concerned that your business is causing a nuisance which could lead to a complaint or action being taken against you? With considerable pressure for new housing in the region, several of our clients, and businesses in general, have raised...

"Lawyers are expensive" and "litigation costs a fortune"

As a dispute resolution lawyer I am all too aware that people are often deterred from instructing lawyers to assist in recovering debts or pursuing claims, or in defending such claims, due to their perception of the high cost involved.   I’m not...

Dilapidations - tips for tenants when moving premises

The natural tendency when a business moves is to focus on the new premises.  However, when a lease comes to an end a tenant will usually face a claim from their landlord for the cost of repairs and redecoration necessary to put the property into the...

Protection and exploitation of trade marks

In an over-crowded market place the use of trademarks and distinguishing brands is increasingly important in order to differentiate products from competitors. The registration of a trade mark brings exclusive rights to use that trade mark to distinguish...

Proprietary Estoppel

Succession planning is always an important consideration for any family. A recent court decision regarding inheritance planning, both on death and in relation to lifetime trusts, has put the cat among the pigeons; confirming that not only farming families,...

Businesses - Are you paying too much rent?

For many years landlords held the upper hand when it came to negotiating new terms with tenants for them to remain in occupation of commercial premises following the expiry of their leases. Rents steadily increased for many years and there was generally no...

Leasehold Liability

Author: Tom Lawrence The Landlord and Tenant (Covenants) Act 1995 was introduced following the recession of the early 90s. The Act provides former tenants who have lawfully assigned their interest in a lease (the assignor) with a degree of protection...