Landlord Solicitors
Specialist landlord solicitors in London and the South East – helping landlords take control of tenant disputes and recover losses.
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Practical legal support for landlords facing tenant disputes.
Disputes with tenants can quickly affect your rental income, property value and peace of mind. Whether you’re a residential landlord or managing a commercial portfolio, our specialist landlord solicitors provide practical legal support to protect your interests.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we act quickly to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation or – when needed – court proceedings. Our focus is always on cost-effective, strategic solutions that minimise disruption to your business.
We are Lexcel-accredited by the Law Society for excellence in client care and compliance and were shortlisted in the 2026 LexisNexis Legal Awards, reflecting our strength in complex and high-value dispute resolution.
Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – now in force.
The Act abolished Section 21 notices and expanded Section 8 with mandatory possession grounds. Landlords must understand the new rules – our solicitors can advise on compliance, notices and the updated eviction process. Call us or visit our tenant eviction page to see how we can help.
How we help landlords.
- Rent arrears recovery –We support landlords facing missed payments with debt recovery services, including formal demand letters, section 8 notices, court claims and enforcement options such as County Court Judgements (CCJs) or bailiff instructions.
- Evictions and possession claims – Since Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions ended on 1 May 2026, tenant evictions must now proceed under Section 8 using specified grounds, such as sale, landlord occupation, rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. We handle the full eviction process, from notices to court and enforcement.
- Breach of tenancy agreements – We help landlords address unauthorised subletting, nuisance complaints and property damage, advising on the appropriate steps to enforce tenancy obligations and recover losses.
- Deposit disputes – Our landlord solicitors guide landlords through disputes over tenancy deposits, ensuring compliance with deposit protection rules and helping to recover costs for damage or unpaid rent.
- Defending disrepair claims – We assess the validity of disrepair allegations, advise on legal maintenance responsibilities and defend landlords against unfounded claims in court where necessary.
- Leasehold disputes – We support leasehold landlords with service charge recovery, lease breach enforcement, and advice on lease extensions and freehold purchases (enfranchisement).
- Renters’ Rights Act compliance – The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 adds new landlord obligations. We advise on compliance, annual rent limits, pet requests, anti-discrimination rules and upcoming private rented sector reforms.
Specialist legal support for commercial landlords
Our landlord solicitors also advise commercial landlords with office, retail, industrial and mixed-use premises. We understand the different legal frameworks that apply to business tenancies and the commercial pressures involved.
We provide practical, strategic support on:
- Forfeiture and lease termination – Enforcing your rights where tenants breach commercial lease terms.
- Commercial rent arrears recovery (CRAR) – Recovering unpaid rent without court action where appropriate.
- Dilapidations claims – Addressing disrepair and enforcing end-of-lease repair obligations.
- Business lease renewals and termination – Including advice under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
- Break notices and vacant possession – Ensuring compliance with notice conditions and timelines.
Whether you’re managing a single property or a national portfolio, our landlord solicitors based in London and the South East can support you wherever your properties are located.
Call our dispute resolution team on 0203 993 4813 or
Meet our dispute resolution team
Why landlords choose Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
- Specialist expertise – Our team understands the pressures landlords face, with deep experience across both residential and commercial landlord and tenant law.
- Fast, effective action – We move quickly to resolve issues, whether that means recovering arrears, securing possession or protecting your long-term investment.
- Clear, strategic advice – We give you straightforward guidance from day one, helping you understand your legal position and make confident decisions.
- Trusted by landlords throughout London and the South East – From single-property owners to commercial landlords, we’re known for delivering clear, results-driven legal support.
- Recognised excellence – We’re proud to hold the Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation and to have been shortlisted for the 2026 LexisNexis Legal Award for our dispute resolution work.
Facing a tenancy dispute? Talk to us.
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Frequently asked questions
What are my options if a tenant stops paying rent?
When a tenant falls into arrears, you have several legal options. We usually begin with a formal demand letter to prompt payment. If that fails, we can serve a Section 8 notice and, if needed, issue a court claim to recover the rent and regain possession. Our solicitors guide you through each step, advising on the most effective and proportionate route to protect your income and avoid unnecessary costs.
How do I legally evict a tenant?
Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 ‘no-fault’ tenant evictions have been abolished. All possession claims must now be brought under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, using one of the specified grounds. These include grounds where the landlord wishes to sell or move into the property (not available in the first 12 months of a tenancy), as well as grounds for rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and other breaches. The required notice period is usually four months, although some grounds allow a shorter period. If the tenant does not vacate, we can apply for a possession order and enforce it through the courts. Our solicitors ensure every step complies with the new framework to reduce delay and risk.
What can I do if my tenant is causing damage or nuisance?
If your tenant is damaging the property or causing disturbance to neighbours, this may be a breach of the tenancy agreement. Our solicitors help landlords deal with unauthorised alterations, anti-social behaviour and property damage. We’ll assess the breach and advise on remedies – which may include claims for compensation, serving notice or applying to the court for possession.
What are my legal responsibilities in disrepair claims?
As a landlord, you have legal obligations to maintain the property in a habitable condition. Tenants may raise disrepair claims if they believe these obligations have not been met. We assess the validity of the claim and advise on next steps, whether that’s resolving genuine issues or defending you against exaggerated or unfounded allegations. Our goal is to minimise cost and disruption while ensuring legal compliance.
Do I need a solicitor to evict a tenant?
The abolition of Section 21 means all possession claims must now be brought under Section 8, which requires landlords to establish specific legal grounds. The process is more complex than before, and procedural errors can result in costly delays or claims against you. Working with a solicitor ensures your Section 8 notices are valid, the correct grounds are relied upon, your case is properly prepared and your interests are protected throughout.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet and do I need to send it?
If you had an existing assured or assured shorthold tenancy with a written agreement before 1 May 2026, you must provide every named tenant with the Government’s official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. Failure to do so can result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000. The document must be downloaded from the official GOV.UK page and given to the tenant directly – sending a link to the PDF is not sufficient. If you have a managing agent, they should also provide the Information Sheet. Our solicitors can advise on the correct service method and help you evidence compliance.
Can my tenant now keep a pet?
From 1 May 2026, tenants have the right to request to keep a pet and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Any existing ‘no pets’ clause in a tenancy agreement no longer applies. Landlords must respond within a reasonable timeframe and provide written reasons for any refusal. Our solicitors can advise on what constitutes a reasonable ground for refusal and help you manage pet-related disputes.
Can I still increase rent?
Yes, but under the new rules rent can only be increased once per year and landlords must follow the prescribed process. Tenants have the right to challenge any increase they consider unfair. Rental bidding – advertising a property without a specific asking price or accepting offers above the advertised rent – is also now prohibited, with penalties of up to £7,000 for non-compliance.
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Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.