The Law Society, Council of Licensed Conveyancers, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Bold Legal Group and the Conveyancing Association, with the support of Government departments and the Land Registry have jointly drafted a Variation Agreement, for use where an exchange of contracts has already taken place on a conveyancing transaction, and a practitioner considers that it is necessary to vary its terms due to the impact of the coronavirus. The Variation Agreement and guidance regarding its use are available in both the sale and purchase guides, in the sections relating to Deterioration, Disputes and Notices. Keep up-to-date with our latest COVID-19 News & Updates.

Temporary rent concessions for commercial leases – Side letter or deed of variation? A side letter which records the agreed temporary alteration to the existing lease, and which is not intended to have a lasting impact upon the lease terms. Read more...

The commentary on the completion of the declaration of trust panel in transfers has been expanded to assist practitioners to correctly complete the panel. Read more...

As a result of user feedback, the sale and purchase commentaries now include an appreciation of adverse possession of registered land.

Two new precedents have been incorporated into the expansive Sale and Purchase of Business publication. Read more...

According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) almost one quarter of firms do not adequately explain leasehold tenure and the associated issues. Accordingly, By Lawyers have reviewed the precedent Report on title – Leasehold in an effort to provide clients with a much clearer understanding of the implications of purchasing a leasehold estate. Plain language communications, particularly with clients, is a primary focus for By Lawyers.

Japanese knotweed has been highly problematic for sellers, buyers and lenders for many years. Its invasion can affect not only the structure of a property but also its value. Thanks to the success of specialist treatments and the availability of indemnity insurance fewer purchasers are withdrawing from sales due to its presence, and the reduction in purchase price sought has significantly reduced. It is believed that Japanese knotweed will be under control by 2040.

The Core Practice Management Standards of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme commenced today. These standards help to clarify the scheme requirements and assist firms to implement the necessary policies, procedures and plans.

By Lawyers has published a new publication: Trusts. With a comprehensive commentary and precedents, the Trusts publication deals with establishing a new trust, amending an existing trust, and bringing a trust to an end through vesting or termination. Read more...

By Lawyers is pleased to release a major update to its forward-looking briefing, Looking to the Future – a comprehensive, practice-wide resource detailing the key legislative and regulatory developments that will shape the legal landscape across 2025 and beyond.

The By Lawyers commercial lease guides have been updated to include guidance, templates and letters for licence applications, including food, entertainment and alcohol related licences, for commercial properties.

The government has launched a 12 week consultation on changes to the conveyancing process. Our article explains more.

Practitioners advising separated parents should be aware of the risk of travel disruption and the increased importance of clear passport provisions in child arrangements orders.

By Lawyers has published new precedents to help practitioners assist landlords renting properties under assured shorthold tenancies. The new precedents advise landlords on the proposed changes contained in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Changes to their ability to seek possession are outlined, together with additional obligations that the Bill seeks to bring into force. Read more ...

Following a subscriber request, we have published a new Scope of work – Deferred payment scheme. Read more…