Property for charities

Charity property disputes

Charity property disputes

How our charity property dispute solicitors can help you

Our specialist charity property solicitors advise charities and not-for-profit organisations on their property disputes.

We advise on: 

  • dilapidations claims for tenants (this being claims by landlords for disrepair at the end of leases)
  • dilapidations claims by charity landlords
  • residential possession claims against beneficiaries of charities (under licences or tenancies)
  • residential possession claims against tenants of investment property
  • disputes with landlord in relation to breaches of tenant covenants
    disputes with commercial tenants
  • claims in relation to breaches or freehold restrictive covenants
    alleged breaches of planning law
  • construction claims
  • disputes over ownership of or trusteeship of an organisation's property
  • claims for breaches of mortgages or clawback arrangements
  • contentious adverse possession claims
  • breaches of liquor and other licensing rules
  • breaches of environmental legislation
  • claims by persons injured on property
Legal review Chambers refers to our strong reputation in the charity field. The Legal 500 (2022) noted our "incredibly capable lawyers and excellent quality of work and output."
The Legal 500 (2022)

Our approach

We work closely with our property litigation team to provide a cost-effective and risk-aware approach to property disputes, grounded on an understanding of charity law and the way the voluntary sector works

Our team will consider the most appropriate way of dealing with a problem and if necessary will pass the matter to our dispute resolution lawyers

Charging information

Charges are usually based on hourly rates plus administrative charges and disbursements but we are flexible with regard to charging rates and will discuss with you budgets for work on a particular matter, or, where it is not entirely clear how things will develop, for the initial stages or a particular stage of a matter.  We will always provide you with an initial estimate of your likely legal costs and will update this as your requirements or the circumstances of the work change.

In circumstances where we can more or less either anticipate the work to be done or prescribe the work, we can act on a fixed or capped fee basis.

We would be pleased to discuss your requirements free of charge and tailor a costs proposal accordingly.

It is fundamental to our policy on allocating work that one of the factors we will consider is the likely cost outcome of using particular solicitors for particular pieces of work.  Whilst almost invariably a partner will be able to carry out work more quickly than a less experienced solicitor, a less experienced solicitor under appropriate supervision may be able to produce a more cost effective result.  Partner input is more likely to be appropriate and cost-effective in more complex or more specialised matters.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our charity law solicitors by email, by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7510 or complete our enquiry form.

Recognition

The charity law and non profit team are well-regarded for their work with clients that have unusual governance structures including those charities that are governed by Acts of Parliament, Royal Charter or Charity Commission Schemes. Clients include leading household names, smaller organisations and individuals who are interested in family philanthropy

Related insights

The latest news and insights from our charity law non profit team

News

25.04.2024

Russell-Cooke webinar covered in Civil Society

Russell-Cooke’s webinar, ‘Navigating political campaigning for charities ahead of the 2024 general election’, has been covered in an article...
Pippa Garland (1)
Pippa Garland
1 min Read
Videos

25.04.2024

Navigating political campaigning for charities ahead of the 2024 general election

Our recorded webinar brings together a distinguished panel of experts that provide invaluable insights into the legal and strategic considerations...
Pippa Garland (1)
Pippa Garland
1 min Read
Videos

24.04.2024

Spring into 2024: A discussion on what lies ahead for the charity legal sector

Our panel of charity lawyers and guest speaker provide insights into current trends, legal and regulatory developments affecting the charity sector and discuss what lies ahead...
Carla Whalen, Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, charity law and not for profit team,
Carla Whalen
2 min Read
View all News & Insights