Jonathan has practised as a specialist property litigator for over 40 years. He deals with all aspects of commercial and residential property litigation (except enfranchisement). He also frequently acts for claimants on property-related professional negligence claims and fee disputes.
Jonathan advises on a wide range of commercial property-related matters and disputes, including development and sale agreements, dilapidations, restrictive covenants, rent reviews and service charge recovery, and forfeiture.
He has extensive experience advising clients on residential property disputes including restrictive covenants, boundary/neighbour disputes, and domestic service charges.
Jonathan’s clients include private owners, landlords, tenants, developers, and commercial lessees. He also acts for individuals and property companies in property-related professional negligence claims and commission and joint-venture disputes.
Expertise
Jonathan advises on commercial property disputes, including development agreements, dilapidations, restrictive covenants, rent reviews, business tenancy renewals, service charges, forfeiture, and professional negligence, acting for landlords, tenants, and developers.
Experience
- Acted for the successful landlord in the Court of Appeal dilapidations case of Sunlife Europe v Tiger Aspect.
- Acted for a developer in successfully contesting the purported termination of a development agreement by a major supermarket.
- Acted for a property joint venture consortium in suing its professionals for damages for a negligently drafted overage agreement.
- Acted for a retail tenant in recovering damages for loss of statutory rights under Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
- Acted for the Football Association in successfully seeking rectification in relation to redevelopment of Wembley Stadium.
Jonathan advises on residential property disputes including boundary and neighbour issues, acting for owners, landlords, tenants, and management companies.
Experience
- Acted for Reedbase Ltd in successfully recovering substantial arrears and defending liability for repairs to a penthouse roof terrace.
- Acted for numerous lessees in contesting service charges.
- Acted for a lessee in relation to an application to discharge a manager.
- Acted for a management company in successfully opposing a basement development.
- Acted for a purchaser in suing solicitors for failing to advise as to restrictive covenants on a substantial house bought for redevelopment.
Johnathan has acted in reported cases covering commercial and residential property disputes.
Experience
- Sunlife Europe Properties v Tiger Aspect 17/12/2013 CA
- Reedbase v Fattal 19/04/2018 CA
- Deutsche Bank v Sentrum Holdings 20/07/2017
- McDonald’s Real Estate v Arundel Corporation (2008)
- Orchard v Mooney and Orkin (03/04/23)
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognition
Recognised by The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Property Litigation 2023, 2025-2027
Recognised by Chambers UK as a Senior Statesperson for Real Estate Litigation 2023-2027
Former Chairman of the Property Litigation Association
Law Society appointed Trustee to the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust
“Jonathan worked on a couple of matters pushing the outer boundaries of property law. He is a delight to deal with as he has already gone through everything with a fine-tooth comb. Historically, he has been one of the best in the game and is very experienced.”
Chambers UK 2027
“Jonathan is always very responsive, pragmatic and commercial in his approach. He provides useful support with legal updates or case law that underpins the actions we are taking. He continues to be an invaluable resource that we call upon when we need support.”
Chambers UK 2027
“Jonathan Ross - impossible to fault. One of the best in the business. Ed John - hugely clever and experienced.”
The Legal 500 2027
“He understands the needs and drivers of businesses and acts quickly and proportionately.”
Chambers UK 2025
“Jonathan always provides quick and commercial advice on many different areas. He understands the needs and drivers of businesses and acts quickly and proportionately.”
Chambers UK 2025
“Jonathan Ross is a highly regarded practitioner who is sought after for disputes relating to commercial property. He is experienced in areas including dilapidations, rent reviews and development agreements.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Ingenious solutions.
”
The Legal 500 2023
“Jonathan is hugely clever and really commercial.”
Chambers UK
Jonathan qualified as a solicitor in 1983. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2024, he worked at the following firms:
- Forsters
- Dentons
- Forsters Saunders Kerman
- Saunders Sobell Leigh & Dobin