Client need
Our client was a property investment firm, who were dealing with a claim from a former tenant (a subsidiary of one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world.)
After a considerable delay by the Court, the tenant finally served notice of discontinuance, which resulted in contested correspondence regarding dilapidations, rent arrears, and interim rent.
Seddons’ advice & outcomes
- We advised the client in relation to the lease negotiations with its current tenant.
- This left the question of interim rent which involved a careful consideration of the provisions of s24 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 in circumstances where the original tenant had requested a new lease and subsequently discontinued.
- Not only was it unusual to have a contested interim rent application (most settle once the terms of the new lease have been agreed), but it was complicated further by Covid-19 in relation to the appropriate comparable evidence, with the tenant seeking to take advantage of this in terms of the limited availability of comparable evidence).
The Seddons team
Lara Nyman | Seddons Solicitors
“This was a complex case, which required careful negotiation of the correct legislation and surrounding evidence. Adapting to the situation and understanding the landlords needs were vital to the success of this matter.”
– Lara Nyman, Partner, Seddons
“Thank you to Lara and team for getting this matter resolved for us. We felt sure that the actions of the previous tenant would damage our (much smaller) business, but you have understood and supported us throughout, with our best interests in mind.”
Managing Director, client