Do I have a case for suing for libel.?

Question

following the change of ownership of the freehold of the retail premises I rent, I was not informed of the name and address of the new owner for 4 months and was unable to pay the rent for that time, as soon as I was given this information I sent a cheque for the outstanding amount.

I have now been accused in writing twice by the new owners solicitor that I have been unco-operative and deliberatly withheld the rent, this is a lie, can I sue?

Answer 1

Unlikely there seems to have been a breakdown of communication between you and the new freehold owners

Answer 2

I would assume that since this was only written in his correspondence to you, there is no case for libel.

If he was to publish the "fact" or publicly tell others this "lie", you may well have a case for defamation of character.

I would keep all the correspondence and make my feelings known by sending a registered letter to the solicitor but that's about it. Keep your ears open for any evidence that this isn't all over.

Answer 3

Not knowing where you are, here's a guess: no. He hurt your feelings, that is not a lawsuit. He's not telling the world you are a deadbeat, that would be different.

Answer 4

Probably not as it is private correspondence. Libel means damaging a person's reputation - which they are not doing so in these letters. If it came to court accusations can be made but they are questioned.

If they spread this accusation beyond the correspondence eg to your employer or other tenants then you might have a case.

It is worth clearly and firmly stating your rebuttal of these accusations. Explain why. Keep a copy.