Ian Mason

Ian Mason has been in continuous practice as a barrister since 1979 and specialises in providing direct public access services in landlord and tenant law, property matters, and disputes about trusts of land and jointly owned property. Ian also takes cases involving insolvency, contract law, negligence, civil wrongs (tort law), and injunctions.

Landlord and Tenant
Recent cases have included dealing with residential and commercial possession proceedings, including trespassers; disrepair claims and unlawful eviction. Ian frequently advises both landlords and tenants about the tenancy deposit scheme and claims arising from failure to comply with the tenancy deposit regulations. He has also drafted commercial retail leases and other documents relating to leases and tenancy agreements, advised on issues about service charges and is able to assist with difficulties concerning property management and right to manage companies as well as disputes with property management agencies.

Examples:

• County Court possession proceedings
• Commercial lease renewal.
• Tenancy deposit disputes.
• Proprietary estoppel in possession claims.
• Claim for relief against forfeiture of long residential lease where landlord claimed breach of repairing covenants.
• Actions against guarantors of commercial and residential tenancies.
• Obtaining and enforcing charging orders against property.

Trusts of Land and Joint Ownership of Property
Problems often arise between joint owners of property requiring court or tribunal intervention to establish the respective rights and interests of joint owners. Ian has recently acted in cases involving constructive and resulting trusts and proprietary estoppel and is experienced in advising on the law and assisting in this field.

Examples:

• First Tier Tribunal challenge to registration of a Restriction.
• Claim for declaration as to true construction of lease.

Claim for declaration as to beneficial interests in property after family break up.

• Claim to equitable interest by provider of finance for property purchase.

General Property Law
Ian has advised and assisted litigants up to and including trials in boundary and neighbour disputes; establishment and enforcement of easements.

General Legal Problems 
Ian can also assist with aspects of business law involving contracts and commercial disputes, enforcement of judgements, insolvency, debt recovery and injunctions.

• Magistrates court defence of prosecution for breach of planning enforcement notice on commercial premises.
• Setting aside statutory demand and advising on insolvency options.