The Coronavirus Act 2020 came into force on 26 March 2020 in England and Wales and will be in place until 30 September 2020.

The legislation covering assured shorthold tenancies, regulated tenancies and fully assured tenancies has made changes to the notice period for Section 21 notices and Section 8 notices.

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While the government is supporting tenants by preventing them from being forced out of their homes during the pandemic there is no exemption from paying rent. Tenants are reminded that they do not have a right to pay a reduced rent or no rent. They remain under a legal obligation to pay rent in full.

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Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has taken drastic action to protect citizens. One promise it has given is that social and private tenants will not be evicted during these times of hardship. However, the temporary emergency legislation, the Coronavirus Bill (“the Bill”) actually says something a bit different.

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For landowners who own land with development potential, preventing the creation of public and private rights of way over land by long user is always an issue. Such rights can devalue the development potential, or even make development unrealistic when small sites are concerned.

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The Law Commission has published its eagerly awaited proposals on their options for reforming the law on valuation in the acquisition of the freehold of leasehold properties and lease extensions.

The Law Commission was tasked with exploring options to reduce the cost of lease extensions and freehold purchases. This not only has legal implications but also political implications as by making the process cheaper for leaseholders, freeholders could lose out.

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The Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims has been in force since 1 October 2017 and sets out rules to follow when any business is claiming payment of a debt from an individual. This covers a debt payable from a tenant to a landlord, whether in respect of rent or other sums due under the lease.

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The redeveloped Westgate Oxford opened its doors on October 24. How will this large retail and leisure offering in the city centre with space for 125 shops, restaurants, cafes, a 5-screen cinema and a John Lewis impact the city? Commercial Property solicitor David Lane comments on Oxford’s changing shopping landscape.

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In August, the Mayor of London published new Supplementary Planning Guidance aimed at increasing the levels of affordable housing being built.

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The last thing unmarried couples who have bought a house together tend to think about is “what happens to the house if it all goes wrong?” What if your relationship breaks down? Will you get back what you put in financially? It’s not the most romantic of topics!

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A query from a client recently highlighted the importance of carrying out all necessary due diligence and reaching agreement with your neighbours before building work even starts.

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With cohabitation becoming an increasingly common choice among couples, it is important to understand what precautions to take to protect yourself should your circumstances change.

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Jacqui Walton discusses the plight of unsuspecting new build buyers caught out by onerous ground rent review clauses.

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