Private nuisance and overlooking neighbours
You may have read recently about the owners of apartments overlooking the Tate Modern bringing a claim against the gallery. The flat owners argued that the gallery’s viewing platform breached their rights to privacy, and also constituted a nuisance. The Court of Appeal has published its decision and we take a look at what happened. Do neighbours…
Covert recordings in the workplace
Employees covertly recording on a smartphone is becoming an increasingly common feature in cases which deal with workplace issues that make their way to the Employment Tribunals. It has long been clear that the act of an employee covertly recording a meeting at work may amount to misconduct (depending on the circumstances). However, the recording…
Gender equality in the workplace
This week, in support of the upcoming International Women’s Day, we joined the Law Society’s Solicitor Chat on Twitter about gender equality in the workplace. If you didn’t follow the chat, here’s a summary of our answers to the questions. 1. What is the Equality Act 2010, and how does it impact the workplace? The Equality…
I’m married, do I need a will?
Whatever your relationship status, you might have questions about whether you need to make a will. We take a look at some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions on the effect of getting married (or divorced) on your will. I’m not married. Will my partner inherit my estate? If you die having not made a will (known as ‘intestate’),…
Tree disputes: getting to the root of the problem
Trees. They can look beautiful, really add to your garden and surrounding area, and have untold benefits for nature and the environment. So how do they cause so many disputes? I am regularly contacted by people who have difficult disputes with their neighbours that are caused by trees on someone’s land. So, what issues can trees cause, and how can…
Buying a house with friends – Frequently Asked Questions
This week, we joined in with a Law Society Twitter discussion about buying a house with friends. If you weren’t able to join in #SolicitorChat, here are our answers to the questions. 1. How many people can become owners of a single property? What rights do they have? Up to four people. They have the rights granted in the title, which are…
The process of buying a new build home
New build properties are becoming increasingly popular among purchasers, particularly first-time buyers. When buying a new build property, the purchasers only see a show home. Based on that, then reserve a plot on which the developer will build the property, ready for occupation. It is therefore important to understand the process of buying a new…
Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence – your frequently asked questions
What is the Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence? The Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence (“the Pre-Action Protocol”) forms part of the Civil Procedure Rules. It applies when someone wishes to claim against a ‘’professional’’ as a result of that professional’s alleged negligence or equivalent breach of…
Short-term lets and AirBnB
It is becoming increasingly common for owners and occupants of flats in city centres to try to maximise the financial use of those flats by letting them out to short term guests via websites such as AirBnB. The money that can be made, coupled with the protections provided by AirBnB, are often attractive to people who wish to either supplement…
Is making a will your New Year’s Resolution?
Last week, we joined in with a Law Society Twitter discussion about how people can make making a will their new year’s resolution for 2020. If you weren’t able to join in #SolicitorChat, here are our answers to the questions. 1. Talk us through the process of making a will and how a solicitor can help. We would have an initial meeting…
Christmas and New Year opening hours
As Christmas is fast approaching, here are our opening hours for the festive season. Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 9.00am – 2.00pm Wednesday 25 December 2019 – CLOSED Thursday 26 December 2019 – CLOSED Friday 27 December 2019 – CLOSED Monday 30 December 2019 – CLOSED Tuesday 31 December 2019 – CLOSED…
Buying a leasehold property: Our top tips
Buying a leasehold property is quite different to buying a freehold property. There are a number of things to consider, so here are our top tips. Leasehold v Freehold Firstly, its important to understand what a leasehold property actually is. A leasehold property is a home that’s owned for a fixed period of time under a legal agreement with a…
Christmas Jumper Day 2019 – raising money for Myeloma UK
Last Friday, we all donned our festive knitwear in support of Myeloma UK for Christmas Jumper Day 2019. Lots of our staff joined in across our offices in Leeds city centre, Roundhay, Wakefield and Bradford. Wearing Christmas jumpers, festive t-shirts and even a Christmassy vest top! Featuring everything from a light up Christmas tree, a pun-tastic…
2019 – A year in professional negligence cases
As we approach the end of the year we look back at the professional negligence cases heard in England and Wales in 2019. Before we start looking at the case law, it is important to remember that litigation is a last resort in a professional negligence claim. Most cases are settled between the parties before reaching a trial. Indeed many settle…
Help to Buy equity loan scheme: A helping hand onto the property ladder
Are you thinking of getting a foot on the property ladder or wanting to ‘upgrade’ your present home? If so, the Government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme may be just what you need to help achieve your dream home. Unfortunately, however, the Government has stated that intends to stop the scheme in the coming years. What is the Help to Buy……
I have found a problem in my new house, what can I do?
Moving home is an exciting time in everybody’s lives. Our conveyancing department regularly receive calls from their clients following completion of purchases thanking them for guiding them through what can often be quite a stressful time in their lives. Unfortunately, house stress does not always end following completion of your sale and…