If you are considering court action, you need to answer three fundamental questions before deciding whether it's worthwhile to bring court proceedings: Do i have a good case? Am I comfortable with the idea of a compromise settlement or going to mediation? Assuming...

When you enter into an agreement with someone to do some work for you the time to complete that work will not be 'of the essence' unless this is specified. The work must just be carried out within a reasonable time and what is a reasonable time can be open to...

For a contract to be legally binding there must be clear acceptance of the contract and an intention to be legally bound. The three elements of a valid contract-offer, acceptance and consideration -must be present. Unless it is shown that there was an acceptance of an...

Drafting a Statement of Claim  Your Statement of Claim or Particulars of Claim is the document which sets out what you are claiming and gives details of why you say you are entitled to a judgment from the court. It is sometimes called the Statement of Claim or Points...

In has long been an offence for a creditor to unduly pressurise someone who owes them money. It is a criminal act to harass a debtor or cause them distress and anxiety. This could be by sending threatening letters under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 or threats...

A private landlord is any person (including a company) who rents out residential dwellings. A landlord who shares his living accommodation with a lodger is not classified as a private landlord. Repairs to rented residential property The question of who is responsible...

If you are a tenant whose landlord has failed or is refusing to carry out necessary repairs to your home having been informed of the problem your first step should be complaining to your local council. They have a statutory duty to investigate cases of disrepair and...

Property covenants are promises that come with a property, are attached to it, and bind the present owner of the property . The most common types of covenants are restrictive covenants. A restrictive covenant is a promise attached to the land which binds the owner for...

A landlord wishing to recover possession of his property must follow the correct legal procedure. If he attempts to evict a tenant otherwise, he may be guilty of a criminal offence and could be ordered to pay substantial damages. Most private sector tenancies will be...

Abandoned goods What are you to do if someone has left their property with you or on your premises and do not remove it although you have asked them to do so. This is a problem often facing landlords when a tenant moves out leaving some of their possessions behind...