Jeff Hardman

Jeff is a property litigator, regularly instructed in real property claims involving boundaries, easements, and land registration matters as well as landlord & tenant disputes involving forfeiture claims, service charges, and dilapidations. He is instructed by national and regional firms, landed estates, local authorities, private individuals, action groups and developers.

In addition to this conventional property work, Jeff is frequently instructed in property disputes which involve some element of impropriety following the breakdown of a joint venture, partnership, or the insolvency of a corporate entity. Cloaking equitable principles over complicated facts to recover trust property has generated numerous trials for Jeff and remains a strong focus.

Charles v Estate of Philma Ernestine Solomon (2015)

High Court, Chancery Appeals

Mr Justice Rajah (2025)

Appeal concerned with severance of an equitable tenancy. Jeff appeared on behalf of the appellant as sole counsel. Successfully argued that the Judge below was wrong to conclude that severance could be made out on the mere acceptance of profits.

Boyd v Burton Waters Moorings [2024] EWHC 138 (Ch)

High Court, Chancery Appeals

Mr Justice Leech

Jeff was junior counsel to Michael Booth KC. Successful respondents to an appeal concerning the interpretation of a complex patchwork of leases and their interaction with the unfair terms in consumer contracts regulations 1999.

Thandi v Saggu [2023] EWHC 2631 (Ch)

High Court, Business & Property Court

Deputy High Court Judge Sims

This case decided that where an agreement that was not a binding contract because it failed to comply with the formalities in the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 s.2(1), there was no reason in principle why the parties should be precluded from inviting the court to grant equitable relief on the basis of proprietary estoppel, even if the assurance or promise relied on was contained in that agreement. Jeff successfully represented the defendant (counterclaiming). This decision has been cited in numerous practitioner’s texts including Chitty, Emmet & Farrand on Title, Foskett on Compromise, Lindley & Banks on Partnership, Phipson on Evidence & Snell’s Equity.

Thandi v Saggu [2023] EWHC 1379 (Ch)

Deputy Master Teverson

High Court, Business & Property Court

This dispute related to an impugned agreement requiring the claimant to sell a mixed-use property to the defendant. As the claimant refused to sell the Property, the defendant secured a unilateral notice against the registered title protecting his alleged beneficial interest. The claimant issued proceedings seeking various forms of relief. Prior to trial, the claimant issued an ambitious application for summary judgment, based upon arguments not found within the pleadings. Jeff was instructed to oppose it and succeeded in securing the dismissal of the summary judgment application.

Irving v High Net Worth Lending (2023)

County Court at Central London

HHJ Johns KC

This dispute involved two brothers and a lender. The sum of £520,000 was secured against the property by one brother, the legal owner. The other brother, who Jeff represented, had sought declaratory relief that he was the sole beneficial owner and was in actual occupation within the meaning of the Land Registration Act 2002, Schedule 3, Para.2. Settled on favourable terms.

Abdel-Mahmoud v Clive Court (Maida Vale) Freehold Limited Clive Court (2022)

First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (Residential Property)

Clive Court is an enormous residential mansion block in Maida Vale, London W9 and consists of three interconnected blocks spread over 8 floors containing 154 flats. The applicant challenged service charges across multiple years, the gross value running into millions. Jeff successfully represented the Respondent, dismissing every challenge save for one modest item relating to legal costs.

Pinto v London Borough of Haringey (2022)

First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (Land Registration)

This was an adverse possession dispute referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) by H.M. Land Registry. It concerned the ownership of a section of a rear garden. The applicants claimed to be entitled to it as a result of over 10 years’ adverse possession since 2004. This was vigorously opposed by the London Borough of Haringey. Jeff successfully represented the applicant at trial, with the FTT determining that the disputed land had been acquired by adverse possession.

Imran v Mahmood (2022)

County Court at Central London (Business & Property List)

HHJ Parfitt

The Claimant secured a money judgment against the Defendant and then obtained an order for the sale of the family home. The claimant’s solicitors had conduct of the sale but sold the property at a significant undervalue to a Third Party, alleged by the defendant to be holding himself out as the owner of law firm responsible for the sale. Jeff represented the defendant and obtained an urgent injunction preventing the sale of the property at an auction. The order was obtained 30 minutes before the property was due to be sold. It should be noted that prior to Jeff’s involvement, the defendant had instructed different counsel who made a similar application to the High Court but was dismissed. Jeff ran a different argument, alleging that the claimant had breached his duties as a seller. As the Third Party was aware of the breach, this tainted the transaction which entitled the defendant to injunctive relief. Thereafter, Jeff successfully opposed the legal arguments advanced by the Third Party and obtained a determination that the property had been sold at a significant undervalue.

Burton Waters v Boyd & Ors (2022)

County Court at Lincoln

HHJ Coe KC

The claimant sought to recover unpaid mooring licence fees from leaseholders of residential properties on the luxury Burton Waters estate. The Defendants retained a silk and argued that certain terms of the mooring licence were unfair pursuant to the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, such that the licence was altogether unenforceable. As there are over 300 license holders, the value of an enforceable contract to the claimant was in excess of £20m. Jeff was instructed by Schillings and successful at trial. The Judge upheld his arguments and the defendants’ challenges were dismissed.

Fernie v Burton Waters Management Limited & Beal Development Limited (2021)

First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

The applicant applied for a determination of the liability to pay, and reasonableness of, service charges (in excess of £700,000) for the years 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018. The FTT produced a 173-page decision following a 5-day trial. The entire claim was dismissed save for a handful of matters that resulted in a rebate of approx. £10. Jeff successfully represented the respondent.

Wahid v Azmahomed (2021)

County Court at Central London HHJ Hellman

The claimant issued a claim against his landlord for damages arising out of building works to convert the upper parts of the building into three self-contained apartments. The claimant occupied the ground floor chicken shop and contended that the works caused multiple leaks and noise nuisance. The second part of the claim arose from the removal of the shop’s flue by the defendant. Jeff represented the claimant, who was partially successful and obtained an order for costs from the defendant.

Dhadwal v Heathrow Inn Limited [2021] 12 WLUK 211
High Court, Appeal List
Mr Justice Roth

The tenant carried out works to refurbish the existing hotel restaurant, turning the restaurant’s outside smoking area into a shisha lounge. The landlord issued forfeiture proceedings contending that the shisha lounge was said to constitute a breach of the user covenant in the lease. The judge dismissed the claim on the basis that the shisha lounge was simply another activity available to hotel residents and used the analogy of a cigar lounge, and the landlord appealed.

Jeff Hardman represented the landlord at both hearings. He obtained permission to appeal and received generous compliments from the judge for his submissions. The Court held that the meaning of “hotel” in the lease had to be considered in the context of the circumstances at the time the lease was granted (in 2014) and on the evidence available. The case may have wider significance as it is the only High Court authority on the relationship between a hotel and shisha restaurant as regards the interpretation of a common user clause found in a commercial lease.

Doble v Doherty & Persons Unknown [2020]

High Court (QBD)

Mr Justice Fordham

The claimant obtained an ex parte injunction against a group of travellers who had violently seized land through intimidation and violence, including the use of firearms and explosions of caravans with gas canisters. At the return hearing, which was opposed by the defendant, Jeff successfully obtained a final injunction against the travellers and a possession order.

De Mata v James Cargo Limited (2020)

County Court at Central London

HHJ Parfitt

The claimant, being the intermediate tenant of a commercial property, claimed the sum of £87,28.80 being unpaid rent owed by the sub-tenant. By way of response, the defendant asserted that the lease was validly determined due to the failure by the claimant to make the building fit for use and occupation following damage caused by a criminal break-in. The defendant counterclaimed for the sum of £100,000. The case involved a legal argument on the correct interpretation of the lease clause which purportedly gave the defendant the right to terminate the lease. Jeff represented the claimant and successfully obtained judgment for the rent arrears against the defendant.

Regency (UK) Ltd v Albu-Swalin [2019] 11 WLUK 278

High Court (QBD)

Mr. Justice Chamberlain

Jeff appeared on behalf of a tenant (respondent) who had been unlawfully evicted from his property. Jeff successfully represented him before Mr Justice Chamberlain, upholding the decision at first instance. The appellant had sought permission on grounds, inter alia, that his barrister had been negligent at trial. The respondent was awarded his costs at the permission hearing under CPR PD 52B para.8.1.

Ali v Rayaz (2019)

County Court at Central London

HHJ Johns KC

The claimant issued possession proceedings. The defendant counterclaimed for a declaration that the claimant held the property on trust him. This was a highly fact sensitive case. Jeff represented the defendant, who was entirely successful and obtained an order that the residential property was held on trust for him.

Albu-Swalin -v- Regency (UK) Ltd & Heartland Limited (2019)

County Court at Central London

HHJ Luba KC

Jeff successfully represented an Iraqi refugee who had been unlawfully evicted from his flat. HHJ Luba KC awarded a total of £19,000 in general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages. The landlord was required to pay costs on an indemnity basis.

Patel -v- Sidhu (2019)

County Court at Central London

HHJ Monty KC

Unlawful eviction action where the leaseholder had excluded the freeholder. Jeff successfully obtained injunctive relief, with the substantive claim eventually settled following the leaseholder’s agreement to surrender the commercial lease.

Carter v Bristoe (2019)

County Court at Central London

HHJ Luba KC

Jeff represented the claimant as she sought significant damages due to the defendant’s failure to comply with her repairing obligations as the freeholder pursuant to the terms of a long (residential) lease. In short, the defendant neglected to undertake roof repair works until August 2017, causing nearly 10 years’ worth of damage. The claimant claimed damages in excess of £150,000. The claim was favourably settled for a significant sum.

Jeff has a wide-ranging commercial practice.  He is regularly instructed to act in commercial disputes of all kinds arising out of various sectors and industries.  He is frequently sought out for his advice on injunctive relief, security for costs, pre-action disclosure, litigation funding, investigation options for suspected fraudulent activity, third-party costs orders and for his views on litigation strategy generally, including negotiated settlements or other out-of-court resolutions. He routinely advises clients in planning how to respond, and in responding, to crises and other significant legal problems that attract the media spotlight.

Below is a selection of Jeff’s commercial cases over the last 12 months or so:

Boyd v Burton Waters Moorings (2015)

High Court, Business & Property

Mr Justice Marcus Smith

Jeff acted as sole counsel for Burton Waters Moorings who sought injunctive relief to prevent the judgment debtor from abusing The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020. Successful outcome, with an order of costs against the judgment debtors.

Mirza v Ahmed (2025)

High Court, Business & Property

Mr Justice Mellor

Jeff acted for the successful applicant to secure an injunction freezing the assets of the estate of the deceased in circumstances where it was alleged that the Will was a forgery.

Fernie v BWML (2025)

County Court at Nottingham

HHJ Coe KC sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge

Jeff acted for the claimant who obtained a general civil restraint order against a vexatious litigant preventing him from issuing any claims in the county court, high court or tribunal.

Fernie v BWML (2025)

County Court at Nottingham

High HHJ Coe KC sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge

Jeff secured a third-party costs order against a non-party for a considerable sum on the basis that the evidence showed that he was the ‘real party’ to the proceedings.

Soni v MGV Capital Limited (2025)

High Court, Insolvency & Companies Court

Petition issued in the High Court for relief under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (shareholders’ dispute). Settled prior to trial on terms acceptable to the petitioner, who had instructed Jeff as sole counsel.

Snaith v McTear (2024)

High Court, Business & Property Court in Birmingham

Deputy High Court Judge Gasztowicz KC

Successful application for to strike out the claim arising out of the insolvency of a company connected to the claimant. Jeff represented the defendant

Meller v Berkshire Assets (Wokingham) Ltd (2024)

High Court, Insolvency & Companies Court

ICC Judge Prentis

Complex litigation arising out of a collapsed £100m plus development in Kew, London. Jeff represented the respondent to a petition which was contested and listed for a day’s hearing in the High Court.

Dressel v Kwame (2024)

High Court, Insolvency & Companies Court

ICC Judge Greenwood

Petition issued in the High Court for relief under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006. The petitioner valued the company at more than £20m. Claim settled on terms acceptable to the respondent. Jeff represented the respondent.

Green v Byrne (2024)

High Court, Business & Property

Chief ICC Judge Briggs

This dispute concerned substantial teak plantations in Brazil owned by a UK based company. The Company was wound up by a timber purchaser for a modest debt. A substantial claim was brought by the liquidator against the former directors seeking to recover preference payments, transactions made at an undervalue and damages owing to alleged misfeasance. It was part of the liquidator’s case that the timber plantations did not exist. On day 1 of trial, the entire claim was dismissed by consent, with no order as to costs. An excellent result for the former directors and all parties previously connected with the Company.

Parkfield v Parkfield (Osterley) Limited (2024)

County Court at Central London, Business & Property List

HHJ Johns KC

The dispute concerns a residential block of flats. The claimant company alleged that a director of the Company facilitated the transfer of the freehold to his wife without the shareholders’ approval for no consideration.  Following the commencement of proceedings, the defendant disclosed a copy of a deed of trust dated 15 May 1998 to substantiate her initial averment that the freehold had been held on trust by the Company for the benefit of the director. The claimant alleged that the deed was fraudulent and sought to set aside the transfer of the freehold. Jeff represented the claimant. Following a trial, the Judge concluded that the transfer documents were fabricated.

Ali v Tapariya (2023)

County Court at Central London, Business & Property List

HHJ Monty KC

The claimant issued a claim seeking the sum of £641,122 for breach of an oral joint venture agreement. He alleged that documents were fabricated, and claimed monies for breach of contract or, alternatively, as a constructive trustee in breach of the defendant’s fiduciary duties. Jeff represented the defendant. The entire claim was dismissed. He successfully argued that the parties never entered into a JVA. This case is notable as Jeff represented the defendant at the Pre-trial review where he successfully argued that the claimant had waived privilege over key correspondence. The claimant was forced to disclose these documents.

Jeff’s practice covers a wide range of both personal and corporate insolvency matters, acting on behalf of officeholders, debtors, creditors, companies, directors and insolvency practitioners (IPs). He provides robust and pragmatic advice and is known for providing focused advocacy on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious Insolvency Law and procedure.

Typically, Jeff acts in claims relating to the recovery of assets for the insolvent estate, such as TUV claims, preferences, misfeasance claims. He advises on all types of applications made within insolvency proceedings or other matters such as applications for administration order, to set aside statutory demands, to restrain winding up petitions or to restrain advertisement of petitions.

A selection of Jeff’s current and recent case history is set out below. For more details, please get in touch the clerks:

Snaith v McTear (2024)

High Court, Business & Property Court in Birmingham

Deputy High Court Judge Gasztowicz KC

Successful application for to strike out the claim arising out of the insolvency of a company connected to the claimant. Jeff represented the defendant

Meller v Berkshire Assets (Wokingham) Ltd (2024)

High Court, Insolvency & Companies Court

ICC Judge Prentis

Complex litigation arising out of a collapsed £100m plus development in Kew, London. Jeff represented the respondent to a petition which was contested and listed for a day’s hearing in the High Court.

Dressel v Kwame (2024)

High Court, Insolvency & Companies Court

ICC Judge Greenwood

Petition issued in the High Court for relief under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006. The petitioner valued the company at more than £20m. Claim settled on terms acceptable to the respondent. Jeff represented the respondent.

Green v Byrne (2024)

High Court, Business & Property

Chief ICC Judge Briggs

This dispute concerned substantial teak plantations in Brazil owned by a UK based company. The Company was wound up by a timber purchaser for a modest debt. A substantial claim was brought by the liquidator against the former directors seeking to recover preference payments, transactions made at an undervalue and damages owing to alleged misfeasance. It was part of the liquidator’s case that the timber plantations did not exist. On day 1 of trial, the entire claim was dismissed by consent, with no order as to costs. An excellent result for the former directors and all parties previously connected with the Company.

Short v Chadda (2023)

High Court, Business & Property

The Trustees in Bankruptcy brought a claim seeking replenishment of the bankrupt’s estate in respect of seven (7) impugned property transactions purchased in the name of the bankrupt’s family members. Jeff represented the family, who resisted any declaration that the properties are held on trust for the bankrupt. Secured a favourable settlement.

Atkinson v Sweetman (2022)

High Court, Business & Property

Mrs Justice Smith

The defendant was a director of a property development company which went into liquidation. The claimant sued for recovery of £1.8m owing to breach of his fiduciary duties as a director. The claimant then issued an application for a world-wide freezing injunction for £1.8m. Jeff was instructed by the defendant, who prepared the defence and attended the hearing of the freezing injunction. Successfully resisted a world-wide freezing injunction, and limited the assets frozen to £700,000. Thereafter, the case settled on favourable terms. This was considered to be a successful outcome for the defendant.

Boulton v Queen Margaret’s School [2018] EWHC 3729 (Ch)

High Court, Business & Property

Mr Justice Arnold

Although the respondent was ultimately unsuccessful, Mr Justice Arnold described Jeff Hardman’s argument as ‘ingenious’ (para. 26). The case has since been cited in the definitive practitioner’s text, Sealy & Milman: Annotated Guide to the Insolvency Legislation 21st Ed. – 2018, (271 Proceedings on creditor’s petition) and New Law Journal N.L.J. 2019, 169(7823), 18.

Jeff frequently represents parties in factually complex probate litigation. He specialises in 1975 Act claims; the removal of personal representatives and trustees; Beddoe applications; applications for accounts and disclosure of trust documents; the administration of estates and trusts; proprietary estoppel; constructive and resulting trusts; and issues of domicile. He provides robust and direct advice, with his probate expertise complimented by his extensive residential and commercial property work and broad chancery practice generally.

Jeff’ advisory work includes interpreting wills, rectification of wills, claims under the 1975 Act; the content and timing of estate accounts; and the effect of grants of probate for the use and benefit of a minor. Jeff also has experience drafting wills and deeds of variation.

• 2007 – BA (Hons) Durham
• 2010 – GDL (College of Law)
• 2011 – BPTC (College of Law)

 “Jeff is an exceptional advocate with a depth and breadth of knowledge. He is excellent under pressure and has great client care skills.”

Legal 500 2025 – Property Litigation: Tier 3

“Jeff is gifted at getting to grips with an issue quickly and finding appropriate, pragmatic and, where relevant, commercial solutions. He is a relentless litigator and generally unflappable in the courtroom, assertive in his submissions and a skilled cross-examiner.”

Legal 500 2023 – Property: Tier 3

“Jeff is gifted at getting to grips with an issue quickly and finding appropriate, pragmatic and, where relevant, commercial solutions. He is a relentless litigator and generally unflappable in the courtroom, assertive in his submissions and a skilled cross-examiner.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2023

“Approachable and down to earth, responsive and accommodating, knowledgeable and analytical. No nonsense approach.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2022

“Intelligent and persuasive, he knows how to win a case and goes the extra mile.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2022