Planning law

If you are looking to make changes to your home, there are planning laws that say what you can, and cannot do. There are also certain processes to follow. Smith Roddam Solicitors take away many of the worries as we know you have enough on your plate.

Planning law ensures you don’t change your property, or build a new one, without thinking about the wider community. You need to know what these legal controls are. Planning laws are complex. If you want to change the use of your property or your gardens, you will need to do this properly. If you wish to object to changes made by your neighbours, there is a way to do this too. And for anyone living in a listed building or conservation area, you need to know what laws apply.

We explain planning laws as simply as we can. Our lawyers are experts, so you have the comfort of knowing we won’t knowingly let you upset your neighbours. You will be kept in touch with throughout the process. We promise that any queries you have will be dealt with promptly.

Make contact with Smith Roddam Solicitors and together, we can plan the best way for you to achieve your property dream. Call us today on 01388 881 611.

Team members

Neil Thompson

Partner

Bishop Auckland

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Expert legal advice you can rely on:

Housing and property
Boundary disputes
Buying at auction
Conveyancing
Disrepair claims
Housing disputes | Residential Property
Investment and buy to let properties
Leasehold properties
Neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour
Party walls
Planning law
Possession and repossession proceedings
Remortgaging
Tenancy agreements and deposits
Transfer of title
Unlawful eviction

Housing and property

At Smith Roddam Solicitors we understand that one of the most important things in anyone’s life is their home. And whether you own a property or rent, we know that your home means much more to you than just bricks and mortar.

Boundary disputes

In a world where many of us live in close proximity to our neighbours, it’s not uncommon for confusion regarding boundaries to arise. However, when handled correctly, a boundary dispute doesn’t have to mean falling out with your neighbours. Many boundary issues can be resolved amicably and fairly.

Buying at auction

Buying property at auction can be an exciting experience and is often a great way to get a good deal. However, it can also be a step into the unknown - particularly if it’s your first time. By talking to a legal expert before buying at auction you can approach the process with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Conveyancing

There are many reasons for moving house but the one thing that everyone buying or selling a property has in common is that they want the process to be as smooth and as hassle-free as possible.

Disrepair claims

When you live in rented accommodation, you put your trust in your landlord to maintain the property to an acceptable standard. But sometimes things can go wrong and you may experience difficulties getting your landlord to make repairs.

Housing disputes | Residential Property

Your home is a place where you should feel safe and secure. It can quickly become a cause of anxiety, though, when housing disputes arise. Resolving housing disputes swiftly and tactfully is a priority for Smith Roddam Solicitors.

Investment and buy to let properties

More and more people are enjoying the rewards of investing in property. And buying-to-let is a great way to ensure that your property provides a regular income and strong return on your investment. The key to successful property investment is to do your homework and seek expert legal advice before investing in a property.

Leasehold properties

If you’re looking for advice about leaseholds, we’re here to help. Leasehold is a particular type of property ownership that comes with its own unique legal rights and responsibilities. Many flats in the UK are sold on a leasehold basis but leasehold can apply to other properties too.

Neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour

In an ideal world, we would all get on with our neighbours all of the time. But in reality, living close to other people can sometimes be difficult and disagreements can arise. If left unresolved, minor annoyances can often turn into major disputes so it’s always best to tackle issues as soon as they occur and try your best to stay on good terms with your neighbours.

Party walls

When building work, repairs or improvements are carried out to a property, the work may impact on neighbours who share a wall or boundary. Therefore the Party Wall Act was introduced to minimise disputes between neighbours when work is being completed. The Party Wall Act covers work to shared walls but can also cover work being carried out close to neighbouring boundaries or buildings.

Planning law

Possession and repossession proceedings

If you’re a homeowner or tenant facing problems keeping up the repayments on your property, you may be concerned about the threat of eviction, or having your home repossessed. In these circumstances it’s natural to feel worried but at Smith Roddam Solicitors we have expert property solicitors on hand to help. We can answer all the questions you may have and will help you do everything possible to remain in your home.

Remortgaging

As a homeowner, at some point you may wish to consider remortgaging – either to take advantage of a better mortgage deal or to release money from your property. And with different mortgage providers offering different deals, you may wish to consider changing to a new lender.

Tenancy agreements and deposits

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, it makes good sense to have a solid tenancy agreement in place. Not only will this highlight your rights and responsibilities but it will also help maintain a positive relationship between you and your landlord or tenant.

Transfer of title

Are you looking to transfer the ownership of a property from one person to another? Although this is a fairly straightforward process, it’s important that it is completed correctly to ensure everything progresses smoothly and to avoid unexpected problems in the future.

Unlawful eviction

Being forced to leave your home is upsetting and stressful whatever the circumstances. But if your landlord has evicted you without following the correct procedures, they may have broken the law and you may be able to take action against them.

Have a question or need some help? Call us today on 0808 258 1345

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Why Smith Roddam Solicitors?

Smith Roddam Solicitors is a local law firm with offices in Bishop Auckland, Crook and Shildon and customer service at the heart of everything we do.

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal advice and expertise for our clients, but in a way that’s far friendlier, more accessible and clear-talking than you might expect from a law firm.

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Planning law

Team members

Expert legal advice you can rely on:

Housing and property

Boundary disputes

Buying at auction

Conveyancing

Disrepair claims

Housing disputes | Residential Property

Investment and buy to let properties

Leasehold properties

Neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour

Party walls

Planning law

Possession and repossession proceedings

Remortgaging

Tenancy agreements and deposits

Transfer of title

Unlawful eviction

Expert legal advice you can rely on, get in touch today:

Your local legal experts

Why Smith Roddam Solicitors?

Send a message

Expert legal advice you can rely on,
get in touch today: