What are a landlord's rights?
Under English law, there are certain rights that landlords are provided with. Perhaps the most fundamental of all the rights landlords enjoy is the right to receive rent. Other rights include the right to evict a tenant if that tenant has stopped paying rent or if the tenant is in constant breach of a term agreed in the lease, and the right to enter the premises in order to make repairs (with fair warning).
The right to receive rental payments does not end once a tenant has been evicted. A non-payment of rent is treated in law as a breach of contract. The landlord’s rights under the law of contract are to receive compensation as if the contract was fully performed. This means that, for example, if a tenant had not paid rent for the months of July and August, and is evicted in September, the tenant will still be liable in law for the rent for July and August and probably part of September.
Some of the landlord’s rights are found in the lease itself. It is important, when drafting and signing a lease, to ensure the agreement contains all of the necessary terms and protections for the landlord’s interests. Failure to do so could result in a much higher risk exposure than is necessary for tenant and landlord relationships.
If you are currently involved in a dispute and you believe you are being denied your rights as a landlord, a legal professional can offer you a considerable amount of insight. Property solicitors who specialise in landlord’s rights will be able to ensure that your case is strong, and advise you on the most appropriate option.
If you would like to obtain legal advice on landlord’s rights, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local property solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local property solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.
