Commercial Lease Forfeiture

Articles

What can we do about the goods left behind after a forfeiture?

If after lease forfeiture a tenant has left goods in the property, then they still own the goods. The goods cannot simply be disposed of by the landlord.

The goods inside are covered by Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977. However, there is a solution.

Forfeiture of Mixed use Property

Where any premises are let as a dwelling on a lease which is subject to a right of re-entry or forfeiture it shall not be lawful to enforce that right otherwise than by proceedings in the court while any person is lawfully residing in the premises or part of them.

Forfeiture of mixed use Property and Possession Orders

It’s vital for landlords to understand the complexities involved in the forfeiture of mixed-use property and the use of possession orders.

When tenants default on rent in properties that combine commercial and residential elements, the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 imposes strict limitations on a landlord’s ability to reclaim possession.

Forfeiture of Lease - Beware of waiving your right to forfeit

Once the right to forfeit has emerged the landlord may exercise that right by peaceable re-entry, but only if they have not acted in any way that may treat the lease as continuing.

If they have acted in any way that may be construed as treating the lease as continuing, then they may have waived their right to forfeit for that period.

What are my options when my Commercial tenant does not pay?

Options for Commercial Rent Arrears: CRAR vs Lease Forfeiture Explained.

Discover the best options for commercial rent arrears, including CRAR and lease forfeiture. Learn the pros, cons, legal restrictions, and what landlords need to know before acting.

Forfeiture of Lease: How to guide

Your rights, How it works, TORTS, Supervised re-entry, and changes to the law.

Updated January 2026.