Blog
Kingsley Napley’s Medical Negligence Team ‘walks together’ with the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity
Sharon Burkill
12 July 2024
Cladding and building remediation costs under the new Labour Government
Whilst the housebuilding side of Angela Rayner's new role of Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has garnered headlines in the first week of the new Labour Government, changes to section 117 of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, which are due to take effect on 24 July 2024, may bring the issue of cladding and building remediation costs to the top of her inbox sooner than she may have expected.
12 March 2024
Spring Budget analysis: changes to Empty Property Relief will put further financial pressure on landlords.
In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced that from 1 April 2024, business premises must be re-occupied for at least 13 weeks rather than 6 weeks in order to qualify for a further period of empty rates relief when that period of occupation ends.
31 May 2023
Renters Reform Bill: New landlord database to expose tax mishandling
The Renters Reform Bill threatens the creation of a new landlord database, exposing those landlords who may have (perhaps inadvertently) incorrectly handled their tax affairs.
28 March 2023
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – the new regime for ASTs in Wales
The type of tenancy and the rules for renting a home in Wales changed with the implementation of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (‘The Act’) which came into force on 1 December 2022. The Act aims to improve the security of tenure for tenants and make it easier for them to rent but it could be perilous for landlords and they must ensure that they familiarise themselves with its requirements. The Act introduces standardised terms to all contracts.
22 February 2023
Supreme Court and service charge certificates - pay now, argue later
In the case of Sara and Hossein Asset Holdings Ltd v Blacks Outdoor Retail Ltd the Supreme Court upheld by a 4:1 majority the Landlord’s claim for unpaid service charge and that the service charge certificate was conclusive as to the sum following certification that the Tenant was liable to pay. However despite the lease having a set-off provision prohibiting any right to set-off or counterclaim, the Supreme Court held that Blacks/the tenant was not entitled to withhold payment but such wording did not prevent the tenant’s right to dispute the service charge bill and if necessary seek repayment - its purpose was solely to prevent the Tenant from withholding payment.