News
Welcome to our news page. Here you will find out what we’re up to and what we think about recent events and future possibilities.
Hounslow London Borough Council v Waaler – Service charges and Improvements
On 2nd February 2017 the Court of Appeal considered the approach to be taken when determining whether costs had been reasonably incurred when considering the amount of service charge payable under section 19 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Importantly they gave particular consideration to the approach to be taken when considering costs relating to improvements as opposed to repairs.
2017 Housing White Paper: This is It, or ……. But Really, is This It?
Introduced as ‘a bold, radical vision for housing in this country’, the Housing White Paper ‘Fixing our broken housing market’ was published earlier today.
Devonshires advises on £505m L&Q deal
Devonshires and Clifford Chance have advised London & Quadrant (L&Q) on its acquisition of Gallagher Estates, in a deal worth approximately £505m.
Anti-social behaviour, Subletting & Holiday Lets
Landlords and ASB practitioners face an additional hurdle when the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour are not their direct tenants or leaseholders but unauthorised occupiers either subletting or staying under licence or verbal agreement. The difficulty is that there is no direct relationship with the subtenant or unauthorised occupier so the usual remedies available for breach of contract are not available.
Immigration Act 2016 provisions and new prescribed form of Section 8 Notice of Seeking Possession into force from 1st December 2016
As of 1st December 2016, the Immigration Act 2014 will be amended by Sections 39 to 41 of the Immigration Act 2016. The provisions apply to private sector landlords and to social landlords.
Supreme Court Decision on the Bedroom Tax Challenges
On the 9 November 2016 the Supreme Court announced its judgment to the bedroom tax challenges made against the government.
Airbnb and subletting in social housing – a guide for registered providers
From low level noise through to full blown party houses, Airbnb and subletting is creating a broad range of issues for registered providers (RPs). That was the message that came through loud and clear at a recent event we held to discuss the impact of the room-letting website on the social housing sector.
Article 8: long residence unlikely to give rise to a defence
On the 1 November 2016 the Court of Appeal considered the case of Holley v Hillingdon LBC. Mr Holley continued to occupy a property owned by the local authority following the death of the tenant, his grandfather, who had previously succeeded to the tenancy.
Nemcova v Fairfield Rents – the private residence test
The only reported Airbnb case so far has attracted media attention and a small flurry of articles and opinion pieces.
Devonshires second year trainees qualify
We are pleased to announce that following a 2 year training contract we see the following Trainees qualify.
Devonshires welcomes 8 new trainees
We are pleased to announce the arrival of 8 new trainees to our team at Devonshires.
Leaseholders of Foundling Court v (1) Camden LBC (2) Allied London (Brunswick) Ltd – Who should consult? Head landlord or intermediate leaseholder?
The recent decision of Upper Tribunal in Various Occupational Leaseholders of Foundling Court and O’Donnell Court, Brunswick Centre, London v (1) Camden LBC; (2) Allied London (Brunswick) Ltd and others provided helpful guidance in dealing with the consultation process under S.20 where there is an intermediate landlord and occupational leaseholders.
