Using a solicitor

A solicitor can explain your options, answer questions and guide you through legal processes. They can help you get the best outcome for your circumstances.

You’ll usually need to use a solicitor for things like:

• buying or selling a leasehold flat or house
• extending your lease
• setting up the right to manage
• buying the freehold of your building

It’s also important to get legal advice if:

• you're considering taking legal action against someone
• someone is taking legal action against you
• you're at risk of losing your home (forfeiting your lease)

Resolving disputes

If you’re unable to resolve a leasehold dispute, such as a disagreement with your landlord (freeholder) about making repairs, a solicitor can advise on your rights and options.

They’ll advise on whether you’re likely to be successful if you go to court or apply to a tribunal. If you decide to take legal action, they can prepare your case and represent you.

Sometimes they can help you resolve a problem without going to court. For example, they might be able to write a formal letter that prompts your landlord to fix a problem.

You can find a solicitor using the:

• Law Society Find a Solicitor website
• Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) website

You can contact several solicitors before deciding who to use. Explain your situation, and ask about how they can help and what their costs are.

You’ll need to weigh up the costs and benefits of using a solicitor. This will depend on how serious the problem is and how likely it is that legal action will be successful.

Costs will vary depending on the solicitor you choose and what services they provide.

Solicitors must publish information about their prices and services on their website. They’ll also explain their costs when you first speak to them. You can get quotes from different solicitors before deciding who to use.

Your solicitor must keep you updated on costs and give you a clear bill that explains their charges.

Find out more from the Law Society about paying for a solicitor.

You might be able to get legal aid in some circumstances, if your case is serious and you cannot afford to pay for legal help. Check if you can get legal aid on GOV.UK.

Some solicitors offer a free or low-cost short initial appointment. You can contact a solicitor or check their website to see if they offer this.

LEASE offers free initial advice on leasehold issues. Find out more and contact us.

Other ways you might be able to get help include:

• your local Law Centre
• Law Works free legal advice clinics
• the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service – government-funded help if you’re at risk of losing your home

Find out more from Citizens Advice about how to find free or affordable legal help.