Claire Liddy

When relationships between cohabitees fail, disagreements can arise involving property and the parties’ legal rights. Sometimes, the dispute cannot be satisfactorily resolved – in which case, it is possible to take action under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA).

From 1 May 2026, anyone owning or acquiring mixed-use property needs to understand that the residential element will be governed by a significantly reformed legal framework. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the most fundamental changes to residential tenancy law in England in almost 40 years.

The Renters’ Rights Act has now passed into law. Most of the new measures will take effect in May 2026, with a national landlord database to follow later in the year.

Tenants’ rights are about to be significantly strengthened with new laws that will end ‘no fault’ evictions; and prevent landlords from requiring substantial up-front payments before a tenancy begins.

The UK government is looking to address issues with the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill which is a piece of legislation that promises to make big changes to the leasehold system.