Landlord and Tenant
Landlord and Tenant Solicitors
Renting law in England changed substantially on 1 May 2026, when major provisions of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force. This guide explains how landlord and tenant solicitors help with possession, arrears, repairs and deposits in England and Wales.
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Overview
What this area covers
Landlord and tenant law governs the renting of both homes and business premises. It is heavily regulated for residential lettings, with rules on deposits, safety certificates, notices and repairs, and these rules change regularly. Getting a procedural step wrong can invalidate a notice or delay possession.
Common situations
When you may need a landlord and tenant solicitor
- You are a landlord needing to recover possession of a property.
- You are a tenant who has received a notice or court papers.
- Serious repairs have not been carried out despite requests.
- There is a dispute over a deposit or unpaid rent.
The solicitor’s role
How a landlord and tenant solicitor can help
For landlords, a solicitor checks compliance, prepares notices and runs possession proceedings. For tenants, a solicitor can check whether a notice is valid, defend a claim, and bring disrepair or unlawful eviction claims. Some tenants may qualify for legal aid, particularly where they face losing their home.
Costs
What does a landlord and tenant solicitor cost?
Possession claims are sometimes offered at a fixed fee per stage, while disputes are usually charged hourly. Tenants facing possession may be eligible for free advice under the court duty scheme or legal aid.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- The tenancy agreement or lease
- Any notices served or received
- Rent statements
- Deposit protection certificate
- Photographs and correspondence about repairs
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
Many firms act mainly for landlords or mainly for tenants. Ask which side the firm usually represents and whether it is up to date on the Renters' Rights Act 2025, whose major provisions came into force in England on 1 May 2026.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find landlord and tenant solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle landlord and tenant matters, then compare their profiles.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
A common question
Can a landlord change the locks if rent is unpaid?
For residential tenants, generally no. Evicting a tenant without following the legal process can be a criminal offence. Possession normally requires a court order.
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.