Whether you are a landlord trying to recover your property or a tenant facing eviction, Harris & Co. Solicitors provide clear, practical advice and — when it comes to it — robust representation. We know this area of law inside out, and we know how to get results.
A solicitor will be in touch promptly to advise on your options.
£2M+
Secured in Compensation
5.0
Google Rating
650+
Cases Handled
20+
Yrs Combined Expertise
Who We Help
On both sides of the dispute.
Landlord and tenant disputes can escalate quickly. What starts as a missed rent payment or an ignored repair request can turn into a County Court claim, a possession hearing, or a harassment allegation. Getting proper advice early — before positions harden — is almost always the most cost-effective approach.
Harris & Co. Solicitors act for both landlords and tenants. We are not a firm that only works for one side, which means we understand exactly how the other party will approach your dispute — and we use that knowledge to your advantage.
Landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and provide written confirmation. Failure entitles you to apply to court for up to 3× the deposit amount — even where it was protected late.
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Right to quiet enjoyment
A landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your property and must attend at a reasonable time. Entering without notice, cutting off utilities, or taking steps to force you to leave may constitute harassment or unlawful eviction — both a criminal offence and a civil claim.
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Property standards
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, all rented properties must remain safe and fit to live in throughout the tenancy. Where a landlord ignores disrepair, tenants can claim compensation and obtain a court order requiring the work.
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Challenging possession
A defective possession notice can invalidate the entire claim. Landlords must follow strict procedural requirements — and tenants who receive a notice should take advice immediately, as errors in the process can halt proceedings entirely.
Areas We Cover
Common disputes, handled with precision.
From a straightforward deposit claim to a contested possession hearing, Harris & Co. Solicitors handle the full range of landlord and tenant matters. Every case is different — but the thoroughness we bring to each one is not.
Possession & Eviction
Section 8 notices drafted and enforced for landlords, or challenged and defended for tenants. A defective notice can stop a possession claim entirely — we ensure every procedural step is correct from the outset.
Rent Arrears
For landlords: recovering unpaid rent through possession proceedings and money judgments. For tenants: understanding your position, negotiating with the landlord, and defending proceedings where the claim is overstated or poorly made.
Deposit Disputes
Landlords must protect deposits within 30 days and provide tenants with prescribed information. Failure to do so can result in a court-ordered penalty of up to three times the deposit amount. We advise both sides on compliance and claims.
Disrepair Claims
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords carry specific repair obligations. Where these go unmet, tenants can claim compensation and a court order requiring the work to be done.
Harassment & Unlawful Eviction
Entering without notice, cutting off utilities, or removing a tenant's belongings are serious offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Both criminal and civil remedies are available — and compensation can be substantial.
Tenancy Agreements & Notices
Drafting tenancy agreements that protect landlords from the outset. Reviewing agreements for tenants before signing. Handling rent reviews, tenancy surrenders, and negotiated exits where the relationship has broken down.
Our Approach
Mediation first. Court when it counts.
Not every landlord and tenant dispute needs to go to court. In many cases a well-drafted letter, a direct negotiation, or a mediation session resolves the matter quickly and at a fraction of the cost of litigation.
Where court is unavoidable — or where the other party refuses to engage — we have the experience to represent you robustly at every stage of the County Court process.
Act early — it matters
The earlier you take advice, the more options are available. A notice served incorrectly, or a deadline missed, can add months and cost to something that could have been resolved quickly.
We understand both sides
Because we act for landlords and tenants, we know exactly how the other party will approach your dispute — and we use that to build a stronger case for you.
Honest from the start
At your free consultation we give you a straight assessment of your position, the realistic outcome, and what it will cost — so you can make an informed decision.
What to Expect From Us
How we work — from first contact through to resolution.
A free initial consultation to assess your position and advise on the best route forward
Plain-English advice on your rights and obligations — no jargon
An honest view on the strength of your case and the realistic outcomes available
Transparent fees discussed upfront, with no unexpected costs
Negotiation and mediation explored before proceedings are issued wherever possible
Robust court representation if the dispute cannot be resolved without it
One named solicitor throughout — available to you at every stage
How It Works
From dispute to resolution.
Whether your matter settles at the first stage or goes all the way to a hearing, we follow a clear, structured approach — keeping you informed and in control throughout.
Step 01
Free Consultation
Call or enquire online. We assess your position, explain your rights and obligations clearly, and advise on the most effective route to resolving your dispute — with no obligation to proceed.
Step 02
Review & Strategy
We review the tenancy agreement, correspondence, and any notices served. We identify the strengths of your position, flag any risks, and advise on the steps most likely to get the outcome you need.
Step 03
Negotiation & Mediation
Where possible we resolve the matter through direct negotiation or formal mediation — saving time, cost, and the stress of court. Many disputes are resolved at this stage without any proceedings being issued.
Step 04
Court Representation
If court is unavoidable, we handle everything from filing the claim or defence through to the final hearing. We represent you robustly and keep you informed at every step of the County Court process.
FAQs
Your questions answered.
The most common questions we receive from landlords and tenants. For advice specific to your situation, call us on 0161 537 3777 — free, no obligation.
A Section 8 notice is served where a tenant has breached the tenancy agreement — most commonly through rent arrears, but also for antisocial behaviour, damage to the property, or other covenant breaches. Some Section 8 grounds are mandatory (the court must order possession if the ground is proved) and others are discretionary (the court weighs up the circumstances). A defective or incorrectly served Section 8 notice can be challenged and may invalidate the entire possession claim — taking legal advice before serving or responding to any notice is always worthwhile.
Your landlord is legally required to protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and to give you written confirmation of where it is held. Failure to do so entitles you to apply to court for compensation of between one and three times the deposit amount. Even where the deposit was protected late, you may still have a valid claim for the initial failure. Contact us to assess your position.
No — except in a genuine emergency. A landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering and must attend at a reasonable time. This right to quiet enjoyment is implied into every residential tenancy. A landlord who enters without notice, cuts off utilities, or takes steps to force you to leave may be committing harassment or unlawful eviction — both a criminal offence and a civil claim for substantial damages.
A Section 8 notice on mandatory rent arrears grounds has a minimum two-week notice period. If the tenant does not leave, proceedings must be issued at the County Court. An uncontested claim can result in a possession order within six to eight weeks of issuing, though court delays vary. If the tenant remains after the order, a warrant of possession adds further time. Serving a correctly drafted notice promptly is the single most important step in reducing the overall timeline.
Landlords are responsible under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for the structure and exterior of the property and all installations for water, gas, electricity, heating and hot water. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 also requires the property to be fit to live in throughout. Tenants are responsible for minor maintenance and any damage they cause. Where a landlord ignores repairs, tenants can report to the local authority, claim compensation, or apply to court for an order requiring the work.
Unlawful eviction is when a landlord removes or excludes a tenant without following the correct legal process — by changing the locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities. This is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and gives rise to a civil claim for substantial damages, calculated on the difference in property value with and without vacant possession. Contact us immediately if this is happening to you.
Having children does not provide automatic protection, but where discretionary grounds are used, the court considers all circumstances including hardship to dependants. For arrears that fall below the mandatory Ground 8 threshold, possession is not guaranteed even if proceedings are issued. Taking advice early significantly increases the options available to you.
Put all requests in writing to create a clear record. If ignored, you can report the matter to the local authority's housing department, who have powers to inspect and issue improvement notices. You may also have a disrepair claim for compensation and a court order requiring the work. We advise on the most effective route depending on the nature and severity of the disrepair.
Not for every dispute — but for anything involving court proceedings, significant money, or complex procedural steps, professional advice makes a real difference. Procedural errors are extremely common and can invalidate a notice entirely. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your situation with no commitment to instruct us.
Most landlord and tenant disputes settle before a full hearing — through negotiation, mediation, or an early agreement. Where court is necessary, most matters are dealt with in the County Court. We handle everything from issuing the claim or filing the defence through to the final hearing. Our aim is always the best outcome in the most efficient way possible.
We'd recommend getting in touch with Harris & Co. Solicitors. Our team has considerable experience across the full range of landlord and tenant matters — possession proceedings, deposit disputes, disrepair claims, lease enforcement, and commercial tenancy issues. We act for both landlords and tenants, which gives us a thorough understanding of both sides of any dispute. We hold a 5.0 Google rating and offer a free initial consultation. As with any legal instruction, we'd always encourage you to do your own due diligence first — check reviews, look at what a firm specifically handles, and have a direct conversation before committing. Give us a call on 0161 537 3777 and we'll give you an honest view of your position with no obligation.
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Whether you need to act quickly to protect your property or defend your home, Harris & Co. Solicitors are here to help. Contact us for a free initial consultation — we will tell you where you stand and what to do next.