A business tenant whose lease is protected by the 1954 Act normally has a right to a new tenancy when the old one ends. A landlord who wants the property back can only stand in the way by relying on one of seven grounds set out in the Act. Advising on a lease renewal — whether for the landlord trying to recover possession or the tenant trying to stay — means knowing which grounds are available, what each demands, and what happens next, including the money a tenant may be owed if renewal is refused.
Here is what you will work through:
- The Grounds of Opposition — the closed list of seven grounds, the fault and no-fault split, mandatory versus discretionary grounds, and how a landlord opposes.
- The Fault-Based Grounds (a)–(c) — disrepair, persistent late rent, other breaches, plus the offer of suitable alternative accommodation under (d).
- Ground (f) — Demolition or Reconstruction — the intention required, what counts as substantial works, and the tenant's statutory defence.
- Ground (g) — Own Occupation — occupying through a company, and the five-year ownership restriction.
- Terms of a Renewed Tenancy — how the court fixes the term, the rent, and the statutory disregards.
- Statutory Compensation — when it is payable, how it is calculated, and the enhanced rate.