Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) paid to the government on the purchase of a property over a certain value. See our SDLT calculator.

In the context of a CICA claim – giving a statement to the police is giving them your formal description of the crime.

In the same way that the common law can impose a duty, a similar type of duty can be imposed by an Act of Parliament, otherwise known as legislation. For example, to drive in excess of the prescribed speed limit would be a breach of this statutory duty. It would also potentially be a breach of the common law duty to drive carefully. Breaches of statutory duty can in themselves provide an entitlement of compensation, but only if the cause of the injury is linked to the breach of duty.

Where a property moves due to inadequate foundations or severe change to the underlying ground. This results in an instability in the structure of a building often evidenced by cracks in walls.

The termination of a worker’s employment due to a serious incident (usually gross misconduct) that can justify not providing any notice before the termination or any payment in lieu of notice.

This is a report carried out on the physical state of a property.

The CICA published list of compensation figures for different injuries, and what is covered by the terms of the compensation scheme.

Law that relates to tax.

See Lessee.

Joint ownership of land where you each have your own share, meaning you can leave your share to whoever you want in your will, for instance. If you die, the survivor does not automatically become the sole owner (as with joint tenancy).

A form of co-ownership where on the death of the co-owners the remaining owner(s) is (are) not automatically entitled to the deceased’s share in the property. The deceased’s share will pass in accordance with their wishes contained within their Last Will and Testament.

The person (male/female) who makes the will.

A Court of Law that deals with cases involving Family Law such as divorce and arrangements for looking after children after divorce.

See Counsellor.

The right of someone other than the legal owner of the property to use or control land of which they have no ownership. Details will be referred to in the title documents and explained by the solicitors acting on your behalf.

The time the CICA allows a person to make a claim, after the point when a crime has been reported to the police.

These documents firstly act as evidence that the person selling the property actually owns it, and secondly they set out any rights or obligations that affect the property.

Document issued by the Land Registry on completion of an application for registration confirming the ownership of the property and any mortgage.

If you are not married, but have lived together, then you may have a claim against property that you have lived in, even if it is not in your name, if you have contributed financially to that property in some way. This is a TOLATA claim – a claim under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act.

An organisation of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts (collective bargaining) with employers.

A dealing with property (e.g. sale or purchase).

A document which transfers ownership of a property from one person to another.

An order made by the local authority designating a tree or group of trees as protected and requiring the local authority’s permission to lop or fell them.

A hearing in court where parties and witnesses give evidence, are cross examined, and the judge or District Judge makes a decision.