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Landlord and Tenant Disputes

 

Landlord and tenant possession and eviction disputes

We act for both private landlords and tenants in residential possession and eviction disputes. These matters commonly arise from rent arrears, breach of tenancy conditions, or the need to regain possession of a property at the end of a tenancy. They can also involve disagreements about notices, repairs, or the conduct of either party during the tenancy.

Most residential tenancy disputes are governed by assured shorthold tenancy rules, which require strict compliance with legal and procedural requirements. This includes serving the correct notices, following prescribed timelines, and ensuring that any court proceedings are properly issued and supported by the necessary documentation.

In many cases, the outcome of a possession claim depends not only on the underlying facts, but also on whether the correct legal process has been followed from the outset. Even small errors in notices or procedure can affect whether a claim is successful or delayed.

Rent arrears cases are among the most common disputes and may involve negotiating repayment arrangements, seeking possession orders, or defending claims where the tenant disputes the amount owed or the circumstances of the arrears. Other cases may involve alleged breaches of tenancy terms or disputes about termination.

At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we provide clear, practical advice to both landlords and tenants involved in possession proceedings. We explain your rights, the available options, and the steps involved in the legal process in straightforward terms.

We also assist with preparing or responding to possession claims, ensuring that all procedural requirements are met and that your position is properly presented to the court.

 

Have a question? Jump to our FAQs ↓

 

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We are very satisfied with the service provided by Darren Kelly and his team. EFN will be our ‘go to’ firm of solicitors for all legal matters in future.

Darren Kelly

Director and Head of Dispute Resolution

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Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?

 

Team led by Darren Kelly, Director, a specialist in possession claims

Extensive experience in possession proceedings for both landlords and tenants in the County Court

Tactical awareness based on experience of “both sides”

Meet the team

Darren Kelly

Darren is the Head of our Dispute Resolution team and has over 20 years’ experience in Dispute Resolution. Darren qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 after reading Law and undertaking the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. He worked for a time as a legal clerk before joining Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 1998…

01773 744 744

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Darren Kelly is based at our Ripley Office.

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Ben Bourne

Ben Bourne is one of our directors and works within our Commercial Litigation and Charity Law departments. Ben is a member of the Charity Law Association and has also served on a number of Charity Trustee Boards.

01159 221 591

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Ben Bourne is based at our Beeston Office.

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Tim Jones

Dispute Resolution/Litigation Tim qualified as a solicitor in 2012 having previously studied at the University of Sheffield and Nottingham Law School. He joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 2010 and became a Director in 2025. Tim provides advice and representation in relation to a range of civil disputes but with a particular emphasis on:- Inheritance disputes/contested…

01159 725 222

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Tim Jones is based at our Long Eaton Office.

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Claire Bristol

Claire has specialised in Personal Injury and Debt Collection for over 20 years. Claire attended Sheffield University where she obtained a BA Hons in Medieval & Modern History. After working as an Insurance broker and obtaining Insurance qualifications, Claire gained employment as a trainee Legal Executive and qualified as a Legal Executive in 1994 (known…

01773 744 744

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Claire Bristol is based at our Ripley Office.

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Dylan Stanway

Dylan is a Solicitor in the Litigation department at our Ripley office. Dylan Studied LLB Law undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham. He then completed the Legal Practice Course in the first intake at the University of Law in Nottingham. Dylan lives in Beeston and enjoys running in his free time, especially in Wollaton…

01773 744 744

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Dylan Stanway is based at our Ripley Office.

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Charlotte Price

Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2025 having joined the firm as a trainee in 2023. Prior to that, she studied LLB Law at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2022 with a first. She then completed the LLM Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. Charlotte provides advice on a range of civil disputes…

0115 972 5222

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Charlotte Price is based at our Long Eaton Office.

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Solicitors discussing legal matters during a consultation at Ellis-Fermor & Negus in Beeston

Reviews, what our clients are saying…

‘We met Tim Jones at a very anxious time for us …..he was kind and caring going the extra mile to ease our concerns. Tim was very knowledgeable and professional. Tim kept us updated at all times during the process… his advice was always sensible .Tim was very approachable ..we would highly recommend Tim and will use him again we trust him …’

‘Darren, Sarah and the team were incredible – so supportive and understanding throughout the process. This was my first experience requiring a solicitor of this nature, and they took the time to explain the steps clearly and answer all my (many) questions. They always answer the phone first time, respond to emails quickly and handled the whole situation very swiftly, professionally and with care, with a positive result at the end. Thank you so much Darren, Sarah and team!’

‘Ben provided me with some excellent advice and dealt with my matter swiftly and efficiently. His friendly but professional manner and the way he described and explained the various clauses gave me the confidence that I needed to sign the documentation without hesitation. Thanks also goes to Eliza for making the necessary arrangements and keeping me informed.’

‘EF&N responded to my initial enquiry very diligently and quickly. That level of service continued through to closing out the matter. We are very satisfied with the service provided by Darren Kelly and his team. Lines of communication were clear. The EFN team were easy to contact and responded to correspondence quickly. EFN will be our ‘go to’ firm of solicitors for all legal matters in future. Many thanks.’

‘Tim jones, acted quickly and made sure to give me time of day even with my busy schedule. Tim made things super easy to understand. Will definitely use again if needed, and recommend Tim, thankyou.’

Frequently Asked Questions

It occurs when a lender or landlord seeks legal possession of a property due to arrears or breaches of agreement.

Yes, through negotiation, repayment plans, or court challenges, depending on your circumstances.

Tenants will have stronger protections against eviction, extended notice requirements, and expanded grounds to challenge possession.

The timeline varies; early intervention can prevent or delay formal possession proceedings.

Yes. Legal advice ensures your rights are protected, notices are challenged if necessary, and negotiations are effective.

Bailiffs may be instructed to enforce the order, but appeals or alternative arrangements may still be possible.

Yes. Most lenders prefer to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement rather than pursue court action.

Residential property repossession is stressful, but early legal guidance can protect your rights and help you explore every option.

• Phone:

0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)

0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)

0115 922 1591 (Beeston)

01773 821665 (Belper)

01773 744744 (Ripley)

• Email: [email protected]

• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us

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