Jonathan Ross

Partner, Property Litigation

Jonathan has substantial experience in dealing with all areas of commercial property litigation and, in particular, disputes as to Development Agreements and also as to dilapidations, rent reviews, business tenancy renewals, rent and service charge disputes, forfeiture and professional negligence claims.

Jonathan has practised in the area of real estate litigation for 35 years and is recognised by both the leading legal directories, Chambers and Legal 500, as one of the leading individuals in this field. He is recognised in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, which highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. He is also recognised as a Band 1 Ranked Lawyer in Chambers UK 2021 for his work in real estate litigation matters.

He has a "hands on" approach based on his detailed knowledge of the law and provides clients with comprehensive and comprehensible commercial legal advice. He believes the key to providing a good commercial service is communicating effectively on all issues, including costs, and considering all available options to resolve matters quickly and commercially on the best possible terms.

Jonathan was Partner and Head of Property Litigation at Saunders Sobell and Forsyte Saunders Kerman in the 1990's before becoming a Partner at Denton Wilde Sapte in 1996. In 2002 he joined Forsters to develop its Property Litigation team.

He is the past Chairman of the Property Litigation Association and a Member of Arbrix and is a regular speaker on the law and contributor in the legal and property press.

Covid-19 and commercial property rent recovery: new code of practice and restrictions on remedies to be extended

On 19 June 2020, the Government published the Code of Practice for commercial property relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic ("the Code"). The Code was drafted by a Working Party comprising landlord and tenant representative bodies.

A quick guide to the rent collection minefield

With substantial sums still outstanding for the March Quarter, landlords face an even tougher battle collecting rents for the coming June Quarter. This Guide looks at the options likely to be available in light of Government action to date and future likely restrictions.

What next re commercial rent collection during COVID-19?

Following the publication of the proposed Corporate Insolvency & Governance Bill ("the Bill") on 20 May 2020, the Government then issued a Press Release on 29 May 2020 announcing its intention to introduce a Code of Practice by 24 June 2020 to provide landlords and high street business tenants with clarity and reassurance over rent payments.

What is a landlord now to do to collect rent from a solvent tenant?

The Corporate Insolvency & Governance Bill ("the Bill") was laid before Parliament on 20 May 2020. It follows on from the Government's Press Release of 23 April 2020 and it is due to be discussed next in the House of Commons on 3 June 2020. The proposed provisions of the Bill have taken almost a month to draft but they are likely to be subject to both substantial opposition from landlords as well as much debate in both Houses, the Commons and the Lords.