Residential Landlord and Tenant

When you’re a landlord, a difficult tenancy can be stressful and disruptive. Unpaid rent, a tenant who won’t leave or a dispute over the condition of your property can all feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where you stand legally.

At Brindley Twist Tafft & James, our landlord and tenant solicitors offer clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances. We act for landlords across Coventry and Warwickshire, and we’re committed to resolving disputes wherever possible without court proceedings, minimising stress and uncertainty for everyone involved.

Contact our landlord and tenant solicitors

If you require supportive advice or guidance on any landlord or tenant matter, please get in touch with one of our offices in Coventry, Warwick, Balsall Common and Southam, or email one of our solicitors below to see how we can help.

Our services for landlords

Owning a rental property can be rewarding, but legal issues can arise at any stage of a tenancy. Our landlord solicitors can help you deal with those issues efficiently, protecting your investment and your position.

Tenant eviction and possession proceedings

We can advise on and serve a Section 21 notice (a ‘no-fault’ notice used to end a tenancy after the fixed term) or a Section 8 notice (used where a tenant has breached the agreement, for example by falling into rent arrears). If the tenant doesn’t leave voluntarily, we’ll guide you through possession proceedings and enforcement of any possession order.

Rent arrears recovery

Unpaid rent can put real financial pressure on landlords. We can advise on recovering arrears through a money claim and pursuing enforcement options such as attachment of earnings or charging orders, depending on your circumstances.

Tenancy agreement drafting and review

Our solicitors can prepare compliant assured shorthold tenancy (AST) agreements (the most common form of residential tenancy in England) or review an existing agreement to ensure it protects your position and reflects current legislation.

Deposit protection compliance

Landlords are legally required to protect a tenant’s deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDS) and provide prescribed information within 30 days of receipt. Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties. We can advise you on your obligations and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Deposit disputes and claims

If a tenant disputes the deductions you’ve made from their deposit, we can advise on your position and help you present your case through the relevant deposit scheme’s dispute resolution service.

We can also act for you if a tenant brings a claim alleging their deposit wasn’t protected correctly or the prescribed information wasn’t provided. These claims can lead to an award of between one and three times the deposit amount, so it’s worth taking advice early.

Landlord responsibilities and compliance

We can help you understand your ongoing duties, including gas safety certificates, electrical installation condition reports, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, Right to Rent checks, and, where applicable, houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing rules.

Why choose BTTJ for landlord and tenant matters?

Our litigation team has extensive experience in residential landlord and tenant law, acting for landlords across Coventry and Warwickshire. We provide honest, practical advice and will discuss the likely costs with you clearly from the outset. Where court proceedings aren’t necessary, we actively explore alternatives. For more information, see our dispute resolution services page.

Frequently asked questions about landlord and tenant law

How much does it cost to evict a tenant?

The court fee for a standard possession claim is currently £404. Legal fees will depend on the complexity of your case and whether a hearing is required. We’ll provide a clear cost estimate at the outset and keep you updated at every stage.

How long does the eviction process take?

From serving the initial notice to obtaining a possession order typically takes several months.  Following the commencement of the Renters Rights Act 2025, Section 21 was abolished and new Grounds were introduced under Section 8.

The notice periods differ depending upon the Ground which you seek to use, for example, a rent arrears claim will require a four week notice period and the tenant needs to be three or more months in arrears. If you wish to sell the property on the open market, the notice period required is four months.

Do I need a solicitor to evict a tenant?

You’re not legally required to use a solicitor, but even small procedural errors, such as serving a notice incorrectly or failing to have protected a deposit, can render an eviction unenforceable. Taking legal advice from the outset can save significant time and cost.

Can a tenant be evicted immediately?

No. Landlords must follow the correct legal process, which in most cases means giving the tenant at least two months’ notice. Emergency injunctions are available in exceptional circumstances but aren’t a substitute for the standard possession process.

What grounds can a landlord use for a Section 8 eviction?

A Section 8 notice can be served on a number of grounds Mandatory grounds include rent arrears of  three months or more. Discretionary grounds, where the court must be satisfied it’s reasonable to grant possession, include persistent late payment  Wanting to sell the property, move a family member into the property or reside at the property yourself.

How can I recover unpaid rent from a tenant?

Rent arrears can be pursued as part of possession proceedings or through a separate money claim. If judgment is obtained, enforcement options include attachment of earnings, , and instructing enforcement agents. We’ll advise on the most suitable approach for your circumstances.

What are a landlord’s repair obligations?

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair and maintain installations for water, gas, electricity, and sanitation. These obligations can’t be removed by the tenancy agreement.

Contact our landlord and tenant solicitors in Coventry and Warwickshire

If you’re a landlord looking to protect your investment, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way, providing clear, practical advice and peace of mind.

If you require supportive advice or guidance, please get in touch with one of our offices in Coventry, Warwick, Balsall Common and Southam, or email one of our solicitors below to see how we can help.