Property management

Their lawyers have always been thorough, responsive and very impressive.

Debra Freeman, Family Mosaic
Real Estate

Penningtons Manches Cooper is recognised as a specialist in residential property management. Our lawyers assist a large portfolio of freeholders, landlords and property investors in the effective management and maintenance of their assets - ranging from modern residential units with high occupancy to Victorian maisonettes.

Regulation of this sector has increased dramatically over the past 10 years and is only set to continue in light of the ongoing demand for residential leasehold property, particularly in London and the South East.  In practice, the relationship between the landlord and tenant is not always straightforward since their objectives are rarely aligned, despite the desire in both cases to ensure that the property is well maintained and ultimately that their investment is protected.

Our team has advised on numerous property related disputes in the First Tier Tribunal, including high value service charge disputes and applications for dispensation from the statutory consultation process for major repair works.

Combining technical excellence with strong market insight, we recognise the need to adapt our approach to property management to reflect both the needs of our clients and the varied nature of their portfolios. We offer pragmatic and proactive guidance in relation to the interpretation and enforcement of lease covenants, section 146 notices and forfeiture proceedings.

As a multi-disciplinary practice, we are able to draw on expertise across the firm to maximise our clients’ commercial objectives, including non-contentious advice covering enfranchisement, lease extensions, right of first refusal and Right to Manage.

We offer expert advice on:

  • adverse possession / trespass
  • development agreement and joint venture disputes
  • major works and section 20 consultations
  • restrictive covenants and overage disputes
  • service charge disputes
  • housing management

Recent work highlights

Repairs to new build homes

Advising on substantial breach of warranty and misrepresentation claims in relation to a residential development purchased from a major UK housebuilder. Our role included obtaining section 20 dispensation for the costs of the repair works and handling tenants’ complaints.


Pest control programme

Providing strategic guidance on the implementation and discharge of conditional dispensation obtained from the First Tier Tribunal in connection with the discovery of death watch beetles in the timbers of a Grade II listed residential building in Berkshire.

Related expertise

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP