Residential and commercial tenancy law
I review and draft residential and commercial leases and handle disputes over use, defects, service charges, termination and rent arrears. Commercial matters often centre on term, options, permitted use and the financial consequences of disruption.
I advise landlords on rent control before a new letting and when repayment is demanded. For tenants, I examine excessive rent and pursue justified claims. The subject page addresses both perspectives and common questions about leases, termination and handover.
More on Residential and commercial tenancy lawProperty purchase law
Before a purchase, I review drafts, liability clauses and safeguards for your interests. Afterwards, I act on undisclosed defects, broken assurances or rescission disputes. The contract and provable knowledge and statements of the parties are decisive.
Past commercial use can be material to a purchase. Disclosure duties and resulting claims must be assessed in the specific circumstances.
More on Property purchase lawPrivate construction and architects’ law
Construction services, design contracts, defects and remuneration fall within my works contract, construction and architects’ practice. Planning permission and building control measures are matters of public building law.
Works contracts, construction and architects’ law More about private construction and architects’ lawLand and neighbour law
I examine rights and duties concerning land ownership and use, including rights of way, easements, encroachments and interference from neighbouring land. The starting points are the land register, agreements and the actual situation.
When buying land, its condition and past use also need scrutiny. Public-law obligations may exist alongside private-law claims.
More on Land and neighbour lawCondominium law (WEG)
Condominium ownership combines individual interests with collective decisions. I deal with owners’ resolutions, regular and special assessments, structural alterations and relations with management, including challenges to resolutions and the pursuit or defence of claims.
Alongside the law, the declaration of division, community rules, resolution records and actual practices are important to the assessment.
More about condominium law (WEG)Use and residential use restrictions
Holiday lets, vacant premises, changes of use and official measures may overlap private and public law. My master’s thesis examined Berlin’s residential use restrictions in depth. I combine this perspective with the contractual issues affecting the property.
The public-law permissibility of a use and the lease must each be considered. A lease alone therefore cannot resolve a licensing question.
More on Residential use restrictionsFrom a claim to enforcement
Legal work may still be needed after judgment or settlement. I assess suitable enforcement measures, for money claims or eviction, while considering effort, available asset information and realistic prospects of recovery.
More on Claims and enforcementFrequently asked questions
Which property matters do you handle?
I advise businesses and individuals on letting, acquisitions, construction contracts and ownership issues, including contract drafting, ongoing disputes and litigation. Describe your project or dispute; you do not need to classify the legal issue yourself.
Do you also advise commercial landlords and property managers?
Yes. Typical matters include drafting leases and amendments, rent claims, defect notices, termination and handover. For property managers, I first clarify their authority and identify the legal client in the particular matter.
Do you also advise private owners, buyers and tenants?
Yes. An individual lease or apartment purchase can have consequences just as significant as a business project. I apply the same standards: legal options, evidence, costs and an approach suited to your objective.
Does a building permit fall under private construction law?
Permits and building-authority measures fall under public construction law. Contracts with builders or designers and disputes over defects or payment generally belong to private construction law. I consider the overlap, for example where the agreed use lacks regulatory approval.
Can I obtain advice before a dispute arises?
Yes. A review before letting, purchase or alterations can identify risks early. I review drafts, explain problematic provisions and assist with contract negotiations. The scope depends on the documents, project and agreed instructions.
Do you also represent clients in court and enforcement?
Yes, where agreed as part of the engagement. I assess prospects, evidence and cost risk and represent your interests in proceedings. Enforcement may also be necessary after judgment or settlement. Obtaining a decision and actually enforcing it are separate stages.
What information helps with an initial enquiry?
Identify the parties, issue, objective and current deadlines. A short chronology and the key contracts or letters help with assessment. Before substantive work, I check whether I can accept the matter and whether there are conflicts of interest.
How are the scope and fees agreed?
We agree the scope and remuneration before engagement. An initial consultation can provide orientation; contract review, negotiations or litigation may require a different scope. The fees section explains initial advice and other charging arrangements.