Michelle Hayter

In this article, Landlord and Tenant expert Michelle Hayter discusses the Renters Reform Bill, and how it is now unlikely to be passed.

In this article, Landlord and Tenant Specialist Michelle Hayter summarises exactly what the Government said regarding Section 21 evictions, and answers some questions from landlords.

Leaseholders will often want to renovate and modernise their property. Minor interior makeovers will not typically require consent from the Freeholder, however what about more substantial works?

In this article, Property Litigation Associate Michelle Hayter provides advice on Licences to Alter in residential leasehold properties.

In this article, Property Litigation specialist Michelle Hayter outlines how landlords can go about the eviction process

Property Litigation specialist Michelle Hayter looks at the recently publishers renters reform White Paper. Will looks at the takeaways for both landlords and tenants, including an update on Section 21 evictions, the private renters ombudsman, decent homes standard and property portal.

In her latest Q&A, Property Litigation specialist lawyer Michelle Hayter provides advice on the Section 20 Consultation process and its importance to both private residential landlords and tenants.

In the recent Queen’s Speech, plans were outlined for the Renters Reform Bill. This included an update on the abolition of Section 21 evictions and when we might see it. Michelle Hayter summarises the Queen’s Speech; outlining the key takeaways for landlords.

In this month’s Q&A, Property Litigation specialist Michelle Hayter provides advice for freeholders on how to recover Service Charges and Ground Rent from Leaseholders.

Frettens’ own ‘Insolvency Guru’ Malcolm Niekirk recently provided his update on understanding rent arbitrations for insolvency practitioners.

In this article, Property Litigation specialist Michelle Hayter provides advice on the impact of the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022 to landlords and tenants.

Property Litigation specialist lawyer, Michelle Hayter, provides advice on what happens when joint home-owners cannot agree on what to do with their Property.

Michelle Hayter provides an overview of the changes to Section 21 and Section 8 Notice periods for residential tenancies.

Michelle Hayter looks at the new mandatory electrical safety requirements for rented property. Detailing what the regulations mean for landlords and tenants.

Frettens have signed the lease on additional office space in Ringwood, two years after opening their first office in the town.

Michelle Hayter is a partner and head of Frettens' specialist dispute resolution team . A specialist in dealing with contentious wills and probate , she is recommended in the Legal 500 , an independent guide to the legal sector, for her work...

When are landlords able to start the eviction process now that the ban on evictions is going to be lifted?

It would appear the government will not be extending the ban on evictions currently in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Lord Greenhalgh, of the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, confirmed that “the courts will begin to process possession cases again” from 24^th August. He was speaking in response to parliamentary questions on Wednesday 1^st June.

Can I be evicted during the coronavirus lockdown? Is there a ban on evictions during COVID 19 outbreak?

Michelle Hayter looks at the effects of the coronavirus lockdown on landlords and tenants, and explores the ban on evictions and rental arrears.

Is your rented accommodation fit for purpose? What is the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018? Michelle Hayter outlines the new legislation on standards of rented accommodation.

Can you contest a will? Michelle Hayter talks about grounds for contesting a will, how long you have to contest a will, and who pays for contesting a will? Also whether you can contest a will after probate, and recommended solicitors for contesting a will in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

Frettens solicitors' Ringwood team were proud to sponsor the Chhurchill Foundation's Charity Fashion Show in Ringwood.

It is not unusual for disputes to arise in markets as competitively and financially demanding as construction and engineering. On even the best managed projects, commercial relationships can break down. Our Dispute Resolution Team are experienced in...

Frettens were extremely proud to be main sponsors of this great event, hosted by The Churchill Foundation , the firm's Ringwood charity of the year , at The Furlong Centre in Ringwood on Thursday 8th November. With free-flowing prosecco, delicious...

Buy-to-let landlords need to prepare themselves for changes to the Section 21 Notice coming into force next week. On 1st October 2018, all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), regardless of their start date, will need to comply with guidelines as to when and...

Tenants could be given minimum three-year letting agreements to increase security for those who rent a home. Three year tenancy terms The Government is proposing to allow people who rent in the private sector to opt for...

Neighbour problems, such as boundary disputes, can be notoriously difficult and expensive to resolve. Lengthy and expensive disputes This was highlighted recently in a case where a London family lost their £600,000 home,...

We are delighted to share the news that Frettens Solicitors has appointed a charity of the year for it's Ringwood office. For 2018, the Ringwood team will be supporting The Churchill Foundation . The Churchill Foundation...

Frettens Solicitors are excited to reveal our latest senior lawyer recruit, Sarah Nineham. Sarah is an experienced Dispute Resolution solicitor for both businesses and individuals across all contractual, property, inheritance, negligence, debt...

We celebrated the opening of our Ringwood office in style, inviting local business people and representatives to raise a glass to our expansion in the town’s popular Framptons bar on 12th July 2018. With our new office located in a prime spot...

Frettens Solicitors were overwhelmed by the warm welcome during the official opening of their new Ringwood office, which took place on 2nd July 2018. With the cutting of the ribbon carried out by the Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Tony Ring, the event was attended...

The Partners at Frettens Solicitors were delighted last week to announce the opening of a second office in Ringwood in July 2018. Who will be based at Ringwood? ...

Michelle Hayter, dispute resolution partner, looks at ToLATA and the powers it gives courts when resolving disputes over ownership of land/property. Michelle looks at ToLATA in the context of unmarried couples who have seperated.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May 2018. It forms the new standard for control of data, seeking to introduce higher and more stringent regulations upon those whose hold and process personal data. What data...

Frettens Solicitors is delighted to welcome the latest Solicitor to join their ranks, as Simon Immins becomes a member of the firm's Family Team . Simon joined Frettens in April, having been a Partner at Turners Solicitors in...

2018 is likely to be a difficult year for lettings professionals in terms of keeping up with the legislation that is due to be finalised and passed. As well as new energy efficiency standards, GDPR, there is a Fitness for Human Habitation Bill, which...

From the 1st April 2018, there will be a requirement for any properties rented out in the private rented sector to normally have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). New tenancies and...

This is a difficult subject for everyone, especially when it concerns family or close friends. Challenging a will is emotionally charged but you may realise after a loved one has died that they either changed, or wrote their will whilst suffering from...

A buy-to-let landlord has been ordered to pay just under £3,000 after pleading guilty to a charge of ‘harassing an occupier to give up the occupation of their premises’. The tenant had not paid their rent, so the landlord changed the...

Frettens Solicitors are delighted to announce that Carl Geary has been promoted to become a Partner at the firm. Carl has been at Frettens since 2007, initially as a paralegal and then beginning a training contract, the final stage of qualification as a...

It is being reported in the property market that the number of people investing in the buy-to-let sector is falling at a rapid rate and many existing landlords are selling their properties. This is likely to be due to changes to tax relief that landlords...

It is fairly common for people to write their will so that they leave their estate (the sum total of their assets) to be inherited by their children when they die. Leaving everything to the grandchildren If that person has...

When somebody dies unexpectedly, it is an awful and tragic shock for all those that care about them. Sadly, if that person did not make a will, dealing with the aftermath can be even more complicated, upsetting and expensive for their relatives and loved...

Images are freely available and easily searched using online search engines such as Google images. Given their ease of accessibility many Internet users are forgetting that photos are a type of intellectual property. This means that photos (at all stages of...

The Deregulation Act came in on 1st October 2015 and made changes which affect whether a landlord can serve a valid Section 21. All tenancies that began on or after that date, including renewals are affected. Statutory periodic tenancies are not if the fixed...

No business, large or small can survive without sufficient cash flow. Constant vigilance is necessary – below is a checklist to make sure you keep up to date with what your business is owed: As soon as an invoice becomes due...

This is a brief guide to the process of making a claim against a professional – maybe a surveyor, architect, financial adviser, accountant or solicitor etc. "People rely more and more on professional advice and have an increased awareness of their...

Ministry of Justice figures show that there has been a significant rise in the number of Wills being contested in Court. This is thought to be as a result of more family breakdowns and an increase in re-marriages, co-habitation and step-families. ...

Squatters. How do you prevent this happening? How do you remove them if it does? Don’t despair it is possible to evict squatters and regain your property. Squatters are people who do not have a right to be in your property. There is no legal definition...

It’s been a boom time for the rental sector, 40% more people now live in rented accommodation than in 2006. Michelle Hayter , Dispute Resolution Partner says, "Arguably there has never been a better time to be a landlord but problems can...

Buy to let landlords were hit by the Chancellor’s plans to change mortgage tax relief in the summer Budget. George Osborne announced that the relief would be cut to 20% from 40/45%, which will be phased in over four years from April 2017. This fuels...

The new Consumer Rights Act came into force on 1st October bringing a raft of changes and making it easier for shoppers who receive faulty goods or bad service to get satisfaction. It also gives on-line customers new legal rights. The Act covers:...

The 1st of October brings important changes for landlords and agents to be aware of. We have outlined the basics below to keep you up to date with the new requirements. If this raises further questions for you, please get in touch with Michelle Hayter , who...

SECTION 21 NOTICES The Basics : For all tenancies beginning on or after 1 October 2015, landlords will not be able to serve a section 21 notice within the first four months of the tenancy. From 1 October 2018 this will...

Rules on sub-letting in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) are clear – as a landlord you can simply refuse your tenant permission to sub-let. Most residential landords have a clause written into their rental agreement to this effect. An important reason...

Landlords in the West Midlands became the first to operate the pilot scheme to make immigration checks before renting a property. This trial scheme started in December last year and a study conducted by ‘Property Let by Us’ has shown that nine...

The Government have issued an amnesty for landlords who have not registered their tenants deposits in one of the official schemes, but this will expire on June 23rd and they may then face a hefty fine of £3,600 (based on an average deposit of...

The European Union Court of Justice in May of this year ruled that members of the public who are worried about their privacy on line can ask Google and other search engines to remove sensitive links from their search results. However, search engines can...

Under the new legislation contained in the Government’s Immigration Act 2014, private sector landlords are set to face hefty financial penalties if they do not carry out checks to ensure potential new tenants have a right to remain in the UK....

Most landlords and agents are aware of the provisions relating to tenancy deposit protection under the Housing Act 2004. The Localism Act which came into force in April this year has sought to rectify some of the underlying problems with tenancy deposit...

Michelle Hayter , a Solicitor in our Dispute Resolution Team, is often asked why firms of solicitors now refer to their department as Dispute Resolution, as opposed to a Litigation Department. In response, Michelle says “The truth...

In April 2013 the Small Claims Court limit rose from £5,000 to £10,000. The Ministry of Justice decided on the increase, which may soon rise to £15,000, as part of a radical shake-up of the civil justice system. The Ministers believe that...

It’s recently been stated in the Telegraph that the eviction of tenants from rented properties has reached the highest level in five years. Dispute Resolution solicitor Michelle Hayter says, “We have certainly seen an increase in...

Mrs Lorraine Feltham from Fordingbridge, head of a property letting company, has sued her step-grandmother’s lawyer for failing to change the 90 year old’s will in her favour, saying that it has cost her more...

Contentious probate cases have risen sharply in the last few years. This may be due to people having a better knowledge of their rights and entitlements and also to the increasing numbers of second and even third families. It is becoming more common for...

It is estimated that there are close to a million buy-to-let landlords in the UK and there are strict regulations which landlords must be aware of and adhere to. Michelle Hayter , of our Dispute Resolution Team, says “Most residential...

Phoenix companies have suffered from a bad reputation in the past, when directors have deliberately forced their companies into liquidation in order to buy back assets at a reduced cost. At the same time they were able to absolve their responsibility for the...

This is a difficult subject for everyone, especially when it concerns family or close friends. Challenging a Will is emotionally charged but you may realise after a loved one has died that they either changed, or wrote their Will whilst suffering from...

As from April this year the current small claims limit of £5,000 has been increased to £10,000 and it is possible that the Government will increase this further in the future to £15,000. Cases dealt with on the small claims track will now...

Protecting cash flow is vital for the survival of any business and pursuing unpaid debts to your company is frustrating and time consuming. An unpaid bill can very quickly become an irrecoverable debt unless help is sought. Asset recovery is a process that...

A will is a legally binding document setting out a person’s instructions, wishes and bequests but there are several reasons whereby a will may be challenged including : • The will was not made in accordance with the law and is therefore invalid ...

There are many issues to be considered before going into partnership and the importance of having a Partnership Agreement in place before you open for business cannot be stressed too highly. If you don’t set out your rights and responsibilities in a...

There has been an escalation in the number of Litigants in Person – or Self Represented Litigants (SRLs) in recent times due to rising costs and cuts in public funding. Any individual is entitled to represent him/herself in court proceedings, but in...

In April of this year we will see some of the most dramatic reforms to civil case funding being implemented for over 10 years. These changes have been dubbed the ‘Jackson Reforms’ and are part of Lord Justice Jackson’s review into the...

These are difficult times and many landlords are finding their tenants are having difficulty paying their rent . Where does this leave you as a landlord? It is possible, but by no means certain, that you can agree to a temporary reduction in rent for your...

A short video article featuring Michelle Hayter , Dispute Resolution Partner talking about the rise of disputed wills . For a free initial meeting, please call 01202 499255 and Michelle or a member of her team will be happy to discuss...

On 6th April 2012 changes to the legislation were enacted via the Localism Act allowing landlords and letting agents more time to protect a tenant’s deposit. The changes now mean that landlords and letting agents have 30 days to protect their...

No landlord or tenant wants to be involved in a dispute over a residential property as these can quickly escalate into costly and protracted legal conflicts. Most disputes can be divided into three main categories: Non-payment of...

Michelle Hayter is a solicitor specialising in helping people to make a claim to dispute an inheritance and to take action when they feel that a will has not been made properly. Here, she answers some common questions. Q: What is meant by an...

A landlord’s worst nightmare – visiting your property and finding it unlawfully occupied by squatters. What can you do to avoid this happening? If your property is currently unoccupied, try and give the appearance that...

Squatting is when someone occupies an empty or abandoned property without the permission of the owner – often without his knowledge and without any legal right to do so. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 criminalised violent or forced...

Michelle Hayter , Dispute Resolution Partner at Frettens Solicitors, has been accepted as an Associate Member of The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). Very few solicitors in this area specialise in handling contested wills...

People are free to leave their assets to beneficiaries of their own choosing under UK law. However, this is subject to some safeguards including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for family and Dependants) Act 1975. Michelle Hayter , specialist...

In this difficult economy, it is more important than ever to keep a firm grip on expenditure. Taking the decision to commence Court proceedings against a debtor is therefore for most businesses, not one which is taken lightly. Sometimes however, this is an...

On 28th February 2011 a judgment was formally handed down in the High Court in a case which had attracted national press attention because it surrounded the Will and Estate of the late Paula Beken, the wife of the late Keith Beken, a famous photographer...

Boundary disputes between neighbours are very distressing as it usually means that normal neighbourly relationships have broken down. Common causes for disputes are new extensions and overlapping walls or fences. If a dispute arises it is first...

Professional negligence falls under the umbrella of the English law of tort. General rules rely on establishing that a duty of care is owed by a defendant to the claimant, and the defendant is in breach of that duty. Councils have a duty of care to ensure...

At some stage, most students move from halls into private accommodation and if you are renting as a private landlord, you should have a tenancy agreement prepared by a solicitor. As the landlord, you will usually be responsible for...

During the last two years of economic difficulty, many commercial Landlords have had difficulty with tenants who have been unable to pay their rent. These are the options available to Landlords in this position: Distress is where the Landlord seizes...

A statutory demand is a way of recovering money that is owed to you. It is a written request for payment, either to a business or an individual and should include: The amount to be paid When payment must be made...

Wills are fertile ground for legal contests. The law lays down technical requirements for executing a valid will. Unhappy potential beneficiaries have numerous ways to attack the validity of a will in court. Commonly, people who were not...