Help 4 Landlords
Regain control of commercial premises lawfully
Commercial possession depends heavily on the lease, the breach, any right to forfeit and statutory protections. Peaceable re-entry may be available in some circumstances, but wrongful forfeiture can expose the landlord to relief applications, loss and costs.
Commercial possession depends heavily on the lease, the breach, any right to forfeit and statutory protections. Peaceable re-entry may be available in some circumstances, but wrongful forfeiture can expose the landlord to relief applications, loss and costs.
What this helps you protect
- Review the lease before an irreversible step
- Distinguish rent arrears from other breaches
- Assess notice, waiver and relief-from-forfeiture risks
- Coordinate enforcement, locksmith and evidence requirements
Residential possession rules should not be transplanted into a commercial case. The lease may contain re-entry wording, notice provisions and restrictions. Accepting rent or communicating after knowledge of a breach can affect waiver. Non-rent breaches may require a Section 146 notice and a reasonable opportunity to remedy, subject to the particular legal rules.
Case preparation
Why the file matters as much as the form
The safer route depends on the property, occupation, lease and breach. A case review should happen before attending the premises or changing locks. The service is priced after review because commercial cases do not fit the residential Strike 1 and Strike 2 offer.
A careful review also helps the landlord distinguish what is known from what still needs proof. That supports a realistic discussion about cost, timing and whether voluntary resolution should be attempted before the next formal stage.
Useful documents to gather
- Written tenancy, lease or occupation terms
- Payment schedule and supporting records
- Deposit and statutory information where relevant
- Repairs, inspections, correspondence and incident evidence
- Every notice, court order or letter already sent
A clear route
How the staged process works
The exact law and forms depend on the case, but the working method is consistent: understand, verify, act and review before escalating.
Start with the facts
Explain the tenancy or occupation, what has happened, the outcome you need and any deadlines. A clear chronology helps identify the relevant jurisdiction and route.
Review the evidence
Bring the written terms, payment record, deposit information, prescribed documents, correspondence, photographs and any previous notice. Missing evidence is easier to address before proceedings begin.
Choose and complete the correct step
The notice, pre-action letter, claim or enforcement application must match the facts. The aim is a defensible file, not paperwork issued for speed alone.
Progress only when the legal trigger is met
If the tenant or debtor does not resolve the matter, the next stage is discussed with its cost, evidence and court or enforcement dependency made clear.
Transparent residential pricing
Start with the stage your case needs
For standard residential possession work, Strike 1 is £200. Strike 2 starts from £700 plus £452 court fees. The current facts and paperwork are reviewed before confirming scope. Commercial, defended, complex, enforcement, tracing and debt matters are quoted separately.
Common questions
Questions landlords ask about this route
Can I change the locks on commercial premises?
Peaceable re-entry may be possible in some cases, but wrongful forfeiture risk is significant. Review the lease and facts first.
Is a Section 146 notice always required?
Not for every breach. Its use and content depend on the breach and the statutory rules.
What is waiver?
Certain conduct after knowing of a breach, including some rent demands or acceptance, can affect the right to forfeit.
Can the tenant regain the lease?
A tenant may seek relief from forfeiture. Timing, remedy and the landlord's conduct can matter.
Is the residential two-strike price available?
No. Commercial work is scoped after the lease and breach are reviewed.
Make the first review productive
Bring the documents in date order and identify the outcome you need, any urgent deadline and anything the tenant disputes. That gives the case handler a clearer starting point, reduces repeated requests and helps separate immediate action from later court, recovery or enforcement decisions.