Other landlord and tenant

Two of our core specialisms — leasehold enfranchisement and valuation in dilapidations claims — focus on the landlord and tenant relationship. But the range of landlord and tenant work we undertake goes wider than that. Some other examples include: 

Commercial rent review 

Where rents under a lease need to rise to reflect changes in market rental value, leases typically contain clauses setting out the principles and machinery for a rent review. We are experienced in dealing with the process, up to and including acting for landlords or tenants in references to arbitrators and independent experts. 

Lease renewal 

Under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (as amended), many commercial tenants have the right to a new lease on modern terms. The resulting negotiations cover the whole scope of the lease and therefore involve solicitors as well as valuers. The rent is obviously a key factor. The Act provides the principles by which that rent is arrived at, and also provides that, if not agreed, the terms can be determined by the Court. 

Valuation for assured tenancies 

At the end of many long residential leases, the lessee becomes an assured tenant. Although this is relatively rare, we have assisted on several occasions with the assessment of market rents for such tenancies. 

Section 13 Rent Review  

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, effective from 1 May 2026, a landlord may only increase the rent for an assured periodic tenancy once per year. This must be triggered via a formal process using a section 13 notice. The tenant has the right to appeal the figure, and have the case heard by the First-Tier Tribunal. Should you require expert input, Beckett and Kay are well-placed to help. 

Giving expert evidence 

Richard Kay FRICS and Henrietta Hammonds FRICS FCIArb have between them given expert evidence before: 

  • the High Court 
  • the County Court 
  • the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) 
  • the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) 
  • arbitrators and independent experts 

Special rules govern the evidence that surveyors and valuers can give before tribunals and courts of this kind, and the members of the firm adhere fully to these. This includes the Technology and Construction Court rules, the Tribunal Rules, and the Civil Procedure Rules part 35.