Prior to the Property Law Act 2007 coming into force, commercial landlords could seize a tenant's property to recover unpaid rent. This is no longer an option. The rules in the Property Law Act must be followed if landlords wish to terminate a commercial lease if their tenant is behind in their rent payments.

The Property Law Act – in this respect – is a code, which means its rules must be followed.

Often we see situations where commercial landlords have become so frustrated with their tenant's continued failure to pay the rent that they take matters into their own hands and revert to the previously acceptable position of taking possession of the premises and seizing chattels.

While having a tenant in your premises not paying their way can be incredibly frustrating, you can make it worse for yourself by doing this. The Property Law Act contains remedies for tenants if landlords breach the legislation.

If your tenant is behind with the rent, contact us as soon as the rent becomes overdue. We can advise you on the correct way to remedy the situation without putting yourself at risk.