Landlord & Tenant Solicitors – Resolving Disputes with Precision and Protection

Expert Solicitors for All Landlord & Tenant Disputes

When the relationship between landlord and tenant breaks down, the law can feel confusing and unforgiving. One
wrong letter, missed deadline or invalid notice can cost months of time and thousands of pounds. At Knights & Shah
Solicitors, we provide a dedicated landlord and tenant service designed to resolve disputes quickly, safely and in
a way that protects your long-term interests.
We act for both landlords and tenants, and we understand how each side thinks. That means realistic advice,
smart strategy and robust representation from the outset.

Who We Act For

• Private landlords (single properties and portfolios)
• Letting agents and managing agents
• Company and HMO landlords
• Social and council tenants
• Assured shorthold tenants and licensees
• Lodgers and occupiers in shared accommodation
• Tenants in high-value and long-term residential lets

Whether you are seeking possession, defending a claim for eviction, challenging unlawful deductions, or dealing with serious disrepair, our solicitors provide a complete service from first advice to final enforcement.

Common Issues Our Clients Bring to Us

Clients usually contact us when one or more of the following is happening:

• A tenant has stopped paying rent or is persistently late
• A landlord wants to regain possession of a property
• A Section 8 or Section 21 notice has been served and they are unsure if it is valid
• Deposit has not been protected or has been wrongly deducted
• Serious issues with damp, mould, leaks or unsafe electrics
• Landlord is entering the property without permission or pressuring the tenant to leave
• Tenant is causing nuisance, damage or anti-social behaviour
• There is a dispute over what was agreed in the tenancy agreement
• A letting agent has made mistakes, gone silent or disappeared
• Court proceedings have started and the client is unsure how to respond

Our role is to take control of the situation, explain your options clearly and then act decisively.

Tenancy Agreements, Rights and Obligations

A strong tenancy agreement is the foundation of every landlord–tenant relationship. We advise on:

• Drafting and reviewing assured shorthold tenancy (AST) agreements
• Company lets and licences to occupy
• HMO and multi-occupancy agreements
• Renewal, variation and termination clauses
• Landlord repair, safety and access obligations
• Tenant responsibilities for rent, damage and conduct

We identify the terms that really matter in your dispute and advise how they are likely to be interpreted by the court, not just how they appear on paper.

Rent Arrears, Breach of Tenancy & Money Owed

Rent arrears are one of the most common reasons for disputes. We:

• Calculate and particularise arrears accurately
• Send compliant pre-action letters and arrears schedules
• Advise on Section 8 possession claims based on Grounds 8, 10 and 11
• Issue County Court proceedings for unpaid rent and service charges
• Defend tenants facing claims they believe are exaggerated or incorrect
• Negotiate realistic repayment plans where appropriate

Our focus is always on the most efficient route to recovery or resolution, without wasting costs.

Possession, Eviction Notices & Court Proceedings

If possession is necessary, it has to be done properly. We assist with:

• Drafting and serving valid Section 21 and Section 8 notices
• Advising on notice periods, deposit compliance and safety-document rules
• Accelerated possession (N5B) and standard possession (N5/N119) claims
• Defence of possession claims for tenants, including human rights and proportionality arguments
• Suspended possession orders and warrants of possession
• Transferring up to the High Court for faster enforcement where appropriate

Every notice and claim we prepare is drafted by a solicitor, ensuring it is court-ready and reducing the risk of delays, adjournments or dismissals.

Deposits, DPS & Unlawful Deductions

Deposit disputes can be highly technical. We:

• Advise whether a deposit was correctly protected and within time
• Bring or defend penalty claims for failure to comply with deposit rules
• Challenge unfair or excessive deductions at the end of a tenancy
• Negotiate settlement where both parties wish to avoid formal proceedings

For tenants, this may mean recovering the deposit and up to three times the amount as compensation. For landlords, it means limiting exposure and rectifying issues before they escalate.

Housing Conditions, Disrepair & Retaliatory Eviction

• Damp and mould
• Water leaks and flooding
• Broken heating or hot water
• Unsafe gas or electrical installations
• Structural defects and subsidence
• Pest infestations and other hazards

Harassment, Unlawful Eviction & Injunctions

• Landlords entering without notice or consent
• Threats, intimidation or harassment
• Changing locks without court order
• Disconnecting utilities such as gas, electric or water
• Pressure to leave without formal notice (“self-help” eviction)

We can seek urgent court orders to restore access, prevent further harassment and pursue damages for unlawful eviction.

How We Work with You

• Solicitor-led service
• Tailored strategy
• Transparent fees
• Modern, remote service
• Clear communication

If you are facing any difficulty with a landlord, tenant or letting agent, our specialist team is ready to step in. Contact us today to arrange a confidential, solicitor-led review of your case.