1950s Looking Back At Laws During The Coronation : Commercial Property

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and Security of Tenure

In 1952 the tenant of a commercial property had no right to remain in the property on the expiry of its lease. This wasn’t ideal for those tenants who wanted to invest and grow their business and particularly important for customer facing businesses and where location is important.

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Act provides the tenant with the automatic right to remain in possession of leasehold business premises after the expiry of the contractual term of the Lease, with the landlord only able to object in certain specified circumstances. This statutory right, known as ‘security of tenure’, changed the face of commercial lettings in favour of tenants.

Security of Tenure in 2022?

Unless a commercial lease is contracted out, the landlord can only oppose renewal on certain limited grounds, e.g. tenant’s failure to repair; persistent delay in paying rent; landlord intending to redevelop.  The Landlord can disapply the security but must follow strict processes to be successful. Read our brief guide here

If you have a Commercial Property enquiry call us on 0800 088 6004.