Resolving real estate disputes and managing risk

Resolving real estate disputes and managing risk

Hay & Kilner’s leading Property Litigation Team supports businesses across the North East

Whether you're a landlord, tenant, developer, or investor, legal disputes over property can be disruptive, stressful, and expensive. When they arise, timely, clear-headed legal advice can make all the difference.

Hay & Kilner’s Property Litigation Team is now one of the largest and most experienced in the North East, helping businesses across the region navigate a wide spectrum of real estate disputes from lease issues and service charges to development conflicts and enforcement of rights.

“Disputes over property can escalate quickly,” says Amandeep Dhillon, Senior Associate in Hay & Kilner’s Property Litigation team. “Getting advice early before issues become entrenched can save you significant time, cost, and stress. It’s one of the most important things a business can do.”

With deep expertise in commercial property litigation and an up-to-date awareness of the property market, Hay & Kilner’s team delivers pragmatic, commercially driven advice tailored to each client’s circumstances. The firm’s approach prioritises early resolution, but where litigation is unavoidable, clients can be confident in a team with extensive experience in courts and tribunals.

“We work hard to resolve disputes efficiently and outside of court where appropriate,” adds Amandeep. “But when litigation is the only path forward, our clients know we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to protect their interests effectively.”

A full-service offering

As a full-service firm, Hay & Kilner’s Property Litigation Team also works closely with its Commercial, Rural and Residential Property teams to offer a seamless, joined-up service. This integrated approach ensures that disputes are resolved in tandem with ongoing transactions, lease negotiations, or post-litigation steps, such as the enforcement of court orders.

The team advises on a wide range of issues, including:

• Lease terms and enforcement
• Landlord and tenant relationships
• Lease renewal or termination
• Service charges and dilapidations
• Easements and enforcement of covenants
• Boundary issues, adverse possession and trespass
• Squatter removal
• Rights of way, light, and air
• Tenant & landlord insolvency
• Rent reviews
• Development and sale contract disputes
• Nuisance claims
• Active portfolio management
• Enforcing security

Trusted by a diverse client base

Amandeep’s clients include national retailers, investment funds, pension schemes, public sector bodies, charities, developers, housing associations, and agricultural landowners. His work includes advising on property portfolio management, restrictive covenant enforcement, development constraints, and risk mitigation strategies.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing the tangible impact of our work — sometimes in buildings or sites I pass every day,” says Amandeep. “Property law is complex, but solving real-world problems for clients I’ve built long-term relationships with is what makes this job so satisfying.”

Expert advice: What to do if you’re facing a property dispute

For businesses or individuals facing a property-related dispute for the first time, Amandeep offers the following practical advice:

1. Get advice early: The earlier you act, the more options you have.
2. Be open with your advisers: Full disclosure allows your legal team to prepare more effectively.
3. Keep clear records: Emails, letters, contracts, and timelines are critical — the more organised your evidence, the stronger your position.

Hay & Kilner’s Property Litigation Team remains a trusted partner for clients across the North East and beyond, combining legal excellence with commercial insight and a practical, client-focused approach.

Get in touch with the team to find out how they can help you.