News archive: July 2021

• Can I challenge excessive charges imposed for a breach of contract?
  Posted on July 14, 2021
  It is not unusual for business contracts to include a provision which requires compensation to be paid, by one party to another, in the event that certain terms are not complied with. But are you obliged to make payment under such a provision where a breach has arguably caused no discernable harm or where the amount being sought appears to be excessive?
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• Options for dealing with a problem landlord
  Posted on July 13, 2021
  According to the Hamptons Letting Index there has been an increase in first-time landlords entering the buy-to-let sector, with many enticed by the stamp duty holiday and low interest rates. Unfortunately, some property investors think being a landlord is a way to make easy money and either do not understand or do not take their obligations and responsibilities seriously.
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• The implications of alcohol misuse in family arrangements
  Posted on July 13, 2021
  While many adults drink alcohol responsibly, unfortunately there is a significant percentage of the adult population in England that misuse alcohol. Government statistics for 2020 show that over half a million adults in England were admitted to hospital, primarily due to excessive alcohol consumption.
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• Relying on the concept of ‘next of kin’ – when is this enough?
  Posted on July 9, 2021
  Next of kin is a commonly used term in everyday language, yet despite its frequent use ‘next of kin’ only provides legal rights where children are concerned and, even then, only in certain circumstances. The general rule is that the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18 has authority to make decisions on their behalf, but some laws allow children to make their own decisions prior to reaching 18, for example consenting to sexual activity.
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• Ecommerce refresher for retailers trading online in the UK
  Posted on July 8, 2021
  Ecommerce is a fast-moving medium for retailers and, whether you have an established online presence or are just starting out, a periodic review of changes in the law and trading regulations can help ensure your business runs smoothly.
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• Is now the right time to extend the lease on your home?
  Posted on July 7, 2021
  If your home is leasehold, you could soon find it cheaper and easier to extend the term of your lease. This will usually make your property more valuable and, depending on how many years your lease has left, it can also make it easier to remortgage and more marketable when you come to sell.
  
  As part of its reform of the leasehold property regime, the Government plans to improve the statutory mechanism for lease extensions.
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• Water, drainage, and sewers; out of sight, but not out of mind
  Posted on July 7, 2021
  When contemplating our business properties, attention tends to focus on the visible aspects, such as the architectural design or practical aspects such as access facilities or security. While services relating to water supply, drainage, and sewers, tend to be out of sight, it is important that they are not forgotten by commercial property owners.
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