It has been announced that effective 1st May 2024, Companies House, the United Kingdom’s registrar of companies, has made significant changes to its fee structure. These changes are aimed at modernizing the services offered by Companies House and ensuring the sustainability of its operations. While some fees will increase, others will decrease or remain unchanged. Let’s investigate the details and understand how these changes might affect businesses. Some fees are going up: Filing Fees: The cost of filing certain documents, like company accounts online, will increase. This could affect busin ..read more

As a commercial landlord, it can often feel like you’re navigating a maze of obligations and responsibilities. From ensuring the safety of the premises to managing the terms of your lease agreements, it’s a line of work that requires careful attention to detail. Knowing exactly what your buildings are being used for by tenants is an important part of this. In this guide, we look at some of the key points that you must be aware of as a commercial landlord. Understanding Your Obligations as a Commercial Landlord As a commercial landlord, your obligations are wide-ranging and encompass various f ..read more

Owning a property is a significant milestone, and the process usually involves a great deal of planning and research. However, in some cases, you may find yourself considering purchasing a house without viewing it first. While this may seem daunting, it is a practice that is becoming increasingly common, especially in today’s digital age. This article will provide you with an extensive guide on how to navigate this process, highlighting the potential risks and strategies to mitigate them, and ensuring you make an informed decision. Understanding Sight Unseen Purchases When we refer to buying ..read more

New rules are to allow councils to place planning requirements on holiday lets (AirBnB short-term), the Government has said following a year-long consultation. Housing Secretary Michael Gove commented: “Short-term lets can play an important role in the UK’s flourishing tourism economy, providing great, easily-accessible accommodation in some of the most beautiful parts of our country. “But in some areas, too many local families and young people feel they are being shut out of the housing market and denied the opportunity to rent or buy in their own community,” he says. “This will allow local ..read more

When Suella Braverman was removed from her cabinet post, she decided to take a defiant stance, with an open letter criticising PM Rishi Sunak for reneging on promises and calling for a leadership election. It was a defiant, headline-grabbing move and one that may inspire others looking to speak out against their bosses.  But the path for a dissatisfied cabinet minister is not one that may be translate so easily in the corporate world. For a company director, while resignation may mean they are no longer bound by general duties, their corporate responsibility can carry on long after stepp ..read more

Cohabitation has become increasingly common, with more and more couples choosing to live together without getting married or entering into a civil partnership. However, it is important to note that cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights and protections as married couples. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the legal landscape surrounding cohabitation, including the rights and responsibilities of cohabiting couples, the financial implications of cohabitation, and steps you can take to protect your interests. What is Cohabitation? Cohabitation refers to the situation in ..read more

The start of a new year is an opportune moment for businesses to ensure their legal affairs are in order. One of the critical aspects of this process is the review and update of legal documents. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you start the year in the right way by reviewing and updating your essential legal documents. Contracts and Agreements: A Solid Foundation Contracts are the backbone of any business. Begin your legal document review by examining existing contracts and agreements. This includes c ..read more

As a landlord in the UK, dealing with commercial tenants can be a complex and challenging task. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key aspects involved in managing commercial tenants, including understanding the legal framework, setting up a lease agreement, dealing with disputes, and ensuring the property is well-maintained. Understanding the Legal Framework The first step in dealing with commercial tenants is understanding the legal framework that governs commercial leases. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 is the primary legislation that regulates the relationship be ..read more

Holidays and in particular the festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, for separated or divorced parents, it can also be a period of stress and conflict, particularly when there is no clear plan for where the children will spend the holidays. In the UK, the law provides several avenues to resolve such disputes, with mediation being a preferred method. This article explores the role of mediation in resolving disputes about child arrangements during Christmas to help preserve the festive spirit for the children and offers guidance on what to do when there i ..read more

New guidance has recently been launched, aimed at landlords, tenants, letting agents and electricians, on conducting thorough electrical safety checks in private rentals, as well as providing detailed reports of defects found in homes. This landmark guide is the first of its kind, compiled from the work of several industry bodies and government departments, and comes from the charity Electrical Safety First. Following a trend as the latest part of a series, it is designed to give free expert advice on technical issues. This particular guidance stems from the confusion and inaccessibility surr ..read more