Nick is a Legal Director in our Property Litigation Team.
Though he handles all manner of disputes concerning interests in land, Nick has particular expertise in residential landlord and tenant matters, dealing with disputes arising out of Assured Shorthold, Assured Non-Shorthold and Rent Act Regulated Tenancies, as well as other forms of short-term residential occupation such as HMOs and high-value rentals which exceed the financial threshold for the Assured regime. Nick has successfully brought proceedings for recovery of possession on the basis of Section 21, arrears, nuisance behaviour, unauthorised sub-letting and where the tenancy was obtained by misrepresentation in the first place, often having to deal with defences which raise issues such as disability discrimination, and counter-claims for housing disrepair.
Nick is also experienced in dealing with disputes arising out of residential long-leasehold matters, such as unlawful sub-letting/Airbnb usage, failure to allow access for repairs and unauthorised alterations, typically assisting landlords with actions for injunction and forfeiture. Nick also advises landlords on consultation requirements under S.20 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, applications for dispensation in relation to those requirements and duties under S.5 Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 concerning tenants’ rights of first refusal and claims for possession on the rare occasions where a lease expires.
In respect of commercial lettings, Nick assists landlords and tenants with lease renewals (both opposed and unopposed), exercise of break of options and terminal dilapidations. He assists landlords with lease forfeiture by way of peaceable re-entry or court proceedings, and in seeking to recover arrears through the courts or by way of the CRAR scheme.
Recent work highlights
2024
Successfully making an application for dispensation with consultation requirements pursuant to S.20 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, where over 200 leaseholders were affected.
2023
Successfully obtained an order forfeiting a commercial lease in London on the ground of rent arrears, where peaceable re-entry was not available.
2023
Advising freeholder in relation to apartment building of 100+ units where the head-lease had expired, and 20+ sub-leases had also expired. Taking possession proceedings with reference to Schedule 10 Local Government and Housing Act 1989 in relation to those sub-leases.
Experience & education
July 2024 – Legal Director, Birketts
2021 – June 2024: Partner, Warners Law LLP
2017 – 2021: Partner, Batchelors Solicitors
2008 – 2017: Associate, Batchelors Solicitors
2004 – 2008: Solicitor, Eversheds LLP
2004 – Qualified as a Solicitor