Legal services for leases, claims and disputes
Are you facing unpaid rent or a disagreement over vacating or handing over property? Do you need to review a lease before signing or understand your obligations after receiving a notice or demand?
Hjouj Law Firm & Arbitration advises and represents landlords and tenants of residential and commercial properties. We examine contracts, facts, correspondence and documents to assess rights, obligations and appropriate options.
Lease drafting and review
A tenancy needs clarity about the property, permitted use, term, rent and payment dates, deposits, maintenance and handover. We prepare or review leases to reflect the agreement and intended use.
We also review renewal, termination, subletting, alterations and accompanying documents. Addressing these before signature helps reduce disagreements about what is permitted and what requires further approval.
Rent arrears and financial claims
For rent or other amount disputes, we review the lease, relevant periods, calculations and proof of payment or receipt. The review includes later agreements, partial payments and objections exchanged.
We help landlords organise claims and evidence and tenants review demands, prove payments or dispute amounts considered not due. The approach is determined after reviewing documents and ongoing procedures.
Notices and correspondence
A party may receive a notice demanding payment, vacation or performance, or need to send a demand. We review its contents, the lease and facts and prepare correspondence or a response clarifying the position and requests.
Keep copies, attachments and proof of receipt or service dates. These help review deadlines and procedures and identify matters needing attention before further action.
Eviction and ending the tenancy
A disagreement may concern expiry, non-performance, continued occupation or a party's wish to terminate. We assess the contract, date, terms and facts to evaluate the claim or defence.
Depending on the case, services include a vacation and handover agreement, applications, responses and representation in court procedures. Not all leases are treated alike; each is reviewed against its documents and applicable legislation.
Maintenance, alterations and installations
Disputes may involve repairs, maintenance costs or tenant installations such as air conditioning, wiring or fit-out. We review lease terms, approvals, correspondence, invoices and the works undertaken.
We also examine removing or retaining installations at the end of the tenancy and resulting damage or costs. Documenting condition and agreements helps identify claims or settlement needs.
Commercial property and professional premises
Renting a shop, office or warehouse involves operational needs affecting the lease, such as suitability for the activity, fit-out time, approvals and alterations. We review the agreement against intended use and each party's commitments.
We also address disagreements during the tenancy or relocation, including handover, installations and outstanding amounts. Connections with other contracts or arrangements on which operations depend are considered.
Multiple owners and changes in who receives rent
Property may become jointly owned, be transferred or face conflicting demands over management or rent collection. We review ownership records, the lease, authorisations, notices and payment history.
The assessment considers owners' rights, tenant obligations and handling competing demands without assuming that sending a request proves authority. Appropriate management and payment arrangements are discussed according to the circumstances.
Handover, deposits and releases
At the end of a tenancy, disagreements may concern condition, keys, bills or deposit returns. We review these issues and prepare a handover record or agreement defining what has been delivered and what remains disputed.
We review releases, included amounts and repair or removal obligations. Documented handover helps reduce uncertainty about the occupation's end date and subsequent responsibilities.
Settlement and dispute representation
A payment schedule, handover date or allocation of maintenance costs may resolve the disagreement. We negotiate and draft settlements defining amounts, dates, obligations and consequences of non-performance.
If proceedings exist or agreement is not reached, the agreed service includes pleadings, submissions, presenting and examining evidence and procedural follow-up. Mention notices or approaching hearings to establish review priorities.
What should you prepare?
Keep the lease and schedules, rent receipts or transfers, notices, correspondence, photographs and maintenance or installation invoices. For an existing dispute, add available court papers and decisions.
Prepare a summary of the tenancy start, use, agreed amounts, the disagreement and steps taken. Explain unwritten contracts or missing documents so the firm can identify evidence requiring review.
Contact us about your lease or tenancy dispute
Whether you are a landlord making a claim or organising a lease, or a tenant reviewing obligations and responding to a demand, contact the firm to explain the matter and discuss the next step.
The scope and fees depend on the file and stage, and whether the work involves advice, drafting, correspondence, settlement or representation in proceedings.