The residential landlord and tenant team have been working hard with landlords and agents to gain possession of properties as quickly and as efficiently as possible, whilst navigating the ever more complicated legislation and tough approach by the courts faced by those in the private rental sector. 

Along with the standard cases, we have been dealing with obtaining possession of large HMO's, properties being used as brothels (more regularly than you would expect), cannabis farms and misused company lets being let to less then perfect tenants. 

We have also been assisting landlords facing prosecution by the local authority for breach of improvement notices and prohibition orders, helping landlords avoid claims for unlawful eviction and agents with the huge changes brought in my the tenant fee ban.  

Peter Fowler continues to work on some interesting commercial and residential property transactions, from new burger bars to pubs and a remarkable number of new businesses being established! With the uncertainty of Brexit removed, perhaps we can be cautiously optimistic about commercial prospects for 2020.

We have also welcomed solicitor Amy Cousineau to the Woodstock team. Amy is a legal 500 rising star, bringing a wealth of talent to the team and offering a great resource in HR and employment law to new and existing clients. Many of the agents that Woodstock work with have been making use of Amy's experience which is great to see. 

The team at Woodstock will be delivering more training for our clients and contacts working in the private rental sector. We will also continue to service our legal helpline, which now includes employment advice, courtesy of Amy. 

Amongst other things we will be paying a close eye on the plans to abolish no fault evictions and the appeal of Trecarrell House Limited v Rouncefield (B5/2019/0499), which deals with the requirement to serve a gas safety certificate on tenants prior the commencement of the tenancy.