How We Helped a Client Resolve a Complex Real Estate Management Dispute

By VerradinLLP  |  August 4, 2025
Real Estate
Verradin LLP was engaged by a property owner facing persistent difficulties with the management of a mixed-use building. The appointed property management company had failed to carry out essential maintenance, mishandled service charge collections, and failed to comply with statutory obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act.
The client was frustrated by deteriorating tenant relationships and concerned about potential legal exposure if matters were left unresolved.

1. Case Assessment & Legal Strategy
We began with a comprehensive review of:
• The property management agreement
• Tenant service charge accounts and arrears
• Compliance with statutory obligations regarding maintenance and safety
• Historical correspondence between the landlord, tenants, and managing agent
It became immediately clear that the management company was in breach of its contractual and statutory duties.

2. Enforcement Action
Our strategy was twofold:
1. Rectify immediate compliance risks ensuring the building met statutory health and safety obligations and that tenants were properly informed of their rights.
2. Hold the managing agent accountable by issuing formal demands for compliance and considering termination of their contract.
We prepared a robust legal notice to the managing agent, requiring immediate remedial action and a full accounting of service charge funds.

3. Resolution
Faced with the strength of our position, the management company agreed to:
• Provide a full reconciliation of service charge accounts
• Undertake overdue repairs and maintenance without further cost to the landlord
• Amend their practices to comply with statutory obligations
When trust had completely broken down, we also supported our client in terminating the management agreement and appointing a new managing agent under a properly structured contract.

4. Our Reflections
Property management disputes often combine contractual complexity with regulatory compliance issues. Left unresolved, they can expose landlords to claims from tenants, reputational damage, and financial loss.
At Verradin LLP, our role is to step in decisively whether to enforce compliance, terminate mismanaged arrangements, or structure new management contracts that safeguard our clients’ long-term interests.
If you are experiencing issues with property management, service charges, or landlord–tenant compliance, we can provide strategic guidance and robust representation to protect your assets and ensure peace of mind.

⚖️ Important Notice
• Each property dispute is fact-specific and must be assessed on its own merits.
• Client details have been anonymised to protect confidentiality.
• This case study is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.


When she first contacted us, the client was distressed and frightened. We prioritised her safety by:
• Arranging an urgent same-day consultation (in person at our office, with private access, and remotely via secure call for discretion)
• Explaining her rights under family law and outlining protective options
• Connecting her with local support services and a domestic violence charity for emotional and practical support
Our first priority was to ensure she felt heard, safe, and empowered.

2. Gathering Evidence
For protective orders, evidence must be clear and persuasive. We quickly:
• Collected police incident reports and medical notes documenting past injuries
• Obtained text messages, emails, and recordings of threatening behaviour
• Gathered witness statements from neighbours and relatives
• Prepared her written statement with sensitivity to the trauma she had endured
This provided a strong evidential foundation to act without delay.

3. Court Action
We filed urgent applications for:
• Non-Molestation Order – prohibiting the abuser from contacting, harassing, or threatening the client.
• Occupation Order – granting her exclusive right to live in the family home and requiring the abuser to vacate.
Given the seriousness of the risk, the court granted both orders on the same day.

4. Resolution & Rebuilding
With legal protection in place, the client and her children could remain safely in their home. The abuser was removed, and breach of the orders would carry criminal consequences.
We then:
• Supported her in initiating divorce proceedings
• Helped secure interim financial support to cover living expenses
• Connected her with counsellors and community services for long-term wellbeing
She told us afterwards:
“You gave me back my safety and my voice. I never thought I’d feel secure again, but your team stood by me when I needed it most.”

5. Our Reflections
Cases like this remind us that family law is not only about legal processes, it’s about protecting lives. At Verradin LLP, we are committed to acting swiftly, compassionately, and decisively when safety is at risk.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know you are not alone. Contact us for confidential legal support—we will act quickly to protect you and your family.

⚖️ Important Notice
• Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case depends on its own facts and circumstances.
• Details have been changed to preserve client confidentiality.
• This article is for general information only and does not constitute formal legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, always call emergency services first.