Robust and skilful approach to resolving property issues fast, in full and hassle free
We have a specialist property litigation team who regularly work on complex and challenging matters and have considerable experience and knowledge of the sector.
We work with landlords, commercial tenants, leaseholders, property developers, housing associations, property managers and agents and building contractors on all issues and challenges arising from the use or occupation of property.
As a landlord, you need to protect your property and your income stream. We understand the difficulties and pressures you encounter when faced with arrears, service charge disputes, disrepair to your property or the insolvency of your tenant. We offer practical specialist advice and guidance to resolve situations quickly and cost effectively and, if necessary, we can help you to get your property back.
As a tenant, you need flexibility to deal with the property to meet your changing business needs and someone to fight your corner when faced with a proposed rental increase under a lease or a large service charge or dilapidations liability. Our team is experienced in dealing with all issues you may face during your tenancy and offer practical advice and assistance.
We also understand the challenges faced by both parties once the lease term comes to an end, particularly where the tenant has a statutory right to claim a new tenancy.
The profitability and successful completion of a development requires the prompt and cost-effective resolution of issues which may arise in the acquisition, development or sale of the scheme. As a developer, you may face claims from adjoining land owners in relation to rights of way and rights of light or become embroiled in boundary disputes. Equally, you may need to seek the variation or release of a restrictive covenant affecting your ability to build.
Where a scheme is being developed with a partner or you are working with contractors, disputes may arise as to a parties’ obligations under a partnership deed or building contract or as a contractor’s performance. In such case, you need practical commercial and legal advice to enable resolution of the dispute with minimum interruption to the progress and completion of the development.
Private land owners encounter issues in relation to the use of their land, including claims for adverse possession, recovering possession from squatters, disputes over boundaries, nuisance actions and disputed rights of way. We understand the importance of resolving these issues quickly, cost-effectively and with a minimum of stress for you.
Assisted a commercial landlord to successfully resist claims for new leases from seven commercial tenants on an industrial yard on grounds of proposed redevelopment of the whole site (and in some cases on grounds of tenant default), enabling it to complete a sale of the yard to a property developer.
Agreed an interim rent in relation to a mixed use premises for a commercial landlord (having first successfully opposed the grant of a new lease of the whole building to the tenant due to the tenant's persistently poor conduct and default).
Settled a claim in relation to a disputed lease extension for a long leaseholder of a flat in London. In addition to issuing protective tribunal proceedings for determination of the premium to be paid and the terms of acquisition, we advised on and issued a claim for determination of the validity of the counter-notice served by the freeholder. When the freeholder failed to complete the new lease following agreement of the premium and terms of acquisition, we then brought a claim for a vesting order, following which the freeholder proceeded to complete the new lease.
Contact Gail to discuss your property issue further
What our clients say
"The long and the short of it, as you know, we had a catastrophic potential bad debt issue, and thanks to, Nigel in the very initial stages, but mostly yourself [GAIL MORRIS], you ‘steered to course’ to obtain a full recovery. I will always be indebted to you…. Yes I know ‘you’re just doing your job’. But at times your judgement, clarity of thought, and dare I say it, your support through those difficult days was exceptional. Recovering a debt of over £500k bearing in mind the poor financial state of the debtor was unbelievable"
James Anthony, Managing Director
M D Anthony Ltd
"I had occasion to use PDT Solicitors, and in particular Gail Morris, in August 2016 for information and advice in the forfeiture of a lease. Gail provided clear and concise information on the subject together with alternative avenues that could be explored should we so wish. The legal points were explained in plain English and made easy to understand. Once instructed Gail moved the process on in a timely manner and the forfeiture was completed without any fuss. PDT were assiduous in ensuring I was kept fully informed at all stages of the forfeiture. I would not hesitate to use them again if ever in that unfortunate position!"
Jane Clay, Customer Services Manager
Croudace Homes
"We instructed Gail to help us with a lease extension on our home, which should have been straightforward but was complicated by an unresponsive and awkward freeholder. She became involved once regular negotiations - and an LVT decision - had nevertheless reached an impasse where we did not have the extension signed by the freeholder. She ensured that we reached the desired result, a new lease extension, with the minimum possible fuss and cost, and without the need to go to court."
Toby
Quaff Fine Wine Merchant Ltd
"The well-established Property Litigation Team at PDT Solicitors is to be highly recommended. I had the good fortune to deal with Gail Morris recently regarding completion of a Lease Agreement with a major supermarket chain. Gail’s professionalism, no nonsense approach and skilful negotiations resulted in a very satisfactory outcome. Gail was totally focused on what needed to be done, worked closely with me and kept me fully informed very promptly at each stage of the negotiations. She offered sound and sensible legal advice right throughout the process. No hesitation in recommending. "
Mr David Hawkins
"I am very happy to write on behalf of Horsham FC Ltd as CEO and Vice Chairman to congratulate you (Gail Morris) on the work carried out on our behalf recently. The brief concerning a Notice to Quit submitted to our commercial tenants was somewhat complicated as there was a lingering question over whether or not they had Rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act. Your handling of the matter was both skilful and professional, resulting in achieving a successful outcome for all concerned."
Mr John Lines, CEO and Vice Chairman
Horsham Football Club Ltd
"We have recently used PDT’s property litigation department, and specifically Gail Morris who have been advising us on a complex piece of litigation where we have sought, by way of Expert Determination, to exclude a Joint Venture Partner from a Partnership Agreement, as a consequence of various breaches of the agreement. Whilst the process has been time and resource intensive, Gail has been able to advise us through the various stages, and advise appropriate, and ultimately successful plans of actions, such that the Expert found heavily in our favour which has allowed us to take control of the Partnership, which will in time lead to a strategy for the development (of substantial student accommodation) that can be properly adhered to. The service offered by PDT’s property litigation team has been highly professional throughout, and has meant that we are some way to a successful conclusion of this matter."
Rory Gleeson, Director
Sunley Holdings Ltd
PDT Solicitors Accredited and Award Winning
Contact PDT
PDT Solicitors
Premier House, 36-48 Queen Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5AD
Tel: 01403 262 333
Fax: 01403 262 444
Email: law@pdt.co.uk
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