What Does a Leasehold Solicitor Do?

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at what a leasehold solicitor does and how they can assist you with your property needs…

If you are looking at purchasing a leasehold property or you are already a leaseholder, you may need the help of a leasehold solicitor. Leasehold law can be complex, and having a specialist solicitor can help you navigate through the legal aspects of your leasehold agreement.

A leasehold solicitor can assist you with a wide range of issues, including lease extensions, leasehold enfranchisement, leasehold disputes, and more. In this article, we’ll be exploring what a leasehold solicitor does and why you may need one.

What is a Leasehold Solicitor?

A leasehold solicitor is a legal professional who specialises in the complex area of leasehold property law. They can provide legal guidance and representation to both landlords and tenants who are involved in leasehold agreements. These legal professionals have expertise in handling a range of issues related to leasehold properties, such as lease variations and leasehold disputes.

Responsibilities of a Leasehold Solicitor

The responsibilities of a leasehold solicitor can vary depending on the client’s needs. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Advising clients on their legal rights and responsibilities as leaseholders, including their rights to extend their lease or buy the freehold of their property.
• Drafting legal documents, such as lease extension agreements, leasehold enfranchisement agreements, and legal notices.
• Representing clients in leasehold disputes, such as service charge disputes or breaches of lease.
• Liaising with other professionals, such as surveyors and valuers, to provide a comprehensive service to their clients.

Qualifications Needed to Become a Leasehold Solicitor

For those who possess a law degree, the next step to becoming a qualified leasehold solicitor is by sitting the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). If you do not possess a law degree, you can opt to do a PGDL (law conversion course) before pursuing an SQE however, it is not a requirement.

Specialising in Leasehold Law

Leasehold law is a complex and ever-evolving area of property law, and it requires a specialist understanding of the legal issues and procedures involved. This is why some solicitors choose to specialise in this area of law rather than other types of property law, such as conveyancing or property disputes.

One of the main reasons why a solicitor might choose to specialise in leasehold law is because it offers a diverse range of work. Leasehold solicitors can work with a wide variety of clients, from individual leaseholders to large property management companies, and they can provide advice on a range of issues, including lease extensions, enfranchisement, and service charge disputes.

Another reason why a solicitor might choose to specialise in leasehold law is that it offers an opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. Leasehold disputes can be incredibly stressful for leaseholders, and a good leasehold solicitor can help to ease that stress by providing expert advice and guidance on the legal issues involved.

Leasehold enfranchisement

Leasehold enfranchisement is the legal process by which leaseholders can collectively buy the freehold of their property. This process can be complex, and it is important to have the support of a leasehold solicitor who can guide you through the legal issues involved.

Leasehold enfranchisement can offer significant benefits to leaseholders, including greater control over their property and the ability to make improvements without needing the consent of the freeholder. However, it is important to note that enfranchisement can also be a costly and time-consuming process, and it is important to have a leasehold solicitor who can help you to navigate the process and secure a fair price for the freehold.

Leasehold Disputes

Leasehold disputes can arise for a variety of reasons, including disputes over service charges, breaches of the lease, and disagreements with landlords or freeholders. These disputes can be incredibly stressful for leaseholders, and it is important to have a leasehold solicitor who can provide expert advice and guidance on the legal issues involved.

A leasehold solicitor can help leaseholders to understand their legal rights and obligations, negotiate with landlords or freeholders on their behalf, and represent them in court or at a tribunal if necessary. They can also help to resolve disputes through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can be a quicker and less costly option than going to court.

Leasehold Law

Leasehold law is a complex and ever-evolving area of property law, and it requires a specialist understanding of the legal issues and procedures involved. A leasehold solicitor can offer valuable support and guidance to leaseholders on a range of issues, including leasehold enfranchisement, lease extensions, and leasehold disputes.

Leasehold law offers a diverse range of work, and it can be a rewarding area of law to specialise in. Leasehold solicitors can make a real difference in people’s lives by providing expert advice and guidance on the legal issues involved in owning a leasehold property.

Whether you are looking to extend your lease, buy the freehold of your property, or resolve a leasehold dispute, a leasehold solicitor can offer valuable support and guidance to help you to achieve your goals.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a leasehold solicitor if you’re seeking advice on a leasehold property. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.