Regain Control of Your Commercial Property
Commercial lease forfeiture allows landlords to lawfully regain possession of a commercial property when a tenant is in breach of lease terms, such as failing to pay rent. This legal process must be executed carefully to ensure compliance and protect your interests. At Equivo, our Certificated Enforcement Agents manage the process with precision, ensuring that the property is secured efficiently while maintaining professional engagement with tenants.
How Equivo Can Help
Equivo’s certificated enforcement officers act on behalf of landlords to forfeit commercial leases and secure premises. We coordinate all elements of the process, including:
Peaceable entry and changing of locks
Placement of official forfeiture notices
Photographic and digital inventory of the property
Coordination of locksmiths and security solutions
Supervised access for tenants to remove possessions, if required
The Commercial Lease Forfeiture Process
1.
Planning and Access
Equivo assesses the lease, identifies legal requirements, and plans the forfeiture. Our officers attend the property when it is unoccupied to gain peaceable entry and secure the premises by changing locks.
2.
Notices and Documentation
Notices are placed in visible positions to confirm that the lease has been forfeited and that the tenant’s continued use is not permitted. A full photographic inventory of the property is completed, and meter readings are recorded where visible.
3.
Key Management and Security
Once the property is secured, keys are provided to the landlord or their nominated agent. Equivo can advise on long-term security measures, including alarms and barriers, and re-attend the property for supervised tenant access if necessary.
4.
Avoiding Acts of Waiver
Landlords must avoid actions that could invalidate their right to forfeit, such as demanding or accepting rent after forfeiture. Equivo ensures that all actions are fully compliant and documented to protect your legal position.
Considerations When Forfeiting a Lease
Ensure the lease contains a valid forfeiture clause
Seek legal advice if needed before proceeding
Provide tenants with an opportunity to collect possessions left on site
Consider additional security measures to prevent unauthorised access
Certain remedies require alternative actions, such as CRAR (link to CRAR webpage)
Why Choose Equivo
Equivo combines expertise, regulatory compliance, and a client-focused approach to deliver effective commercial lease forfeiture. Key benefits of working with us include:
Nationwide same-day service with rapid response times
Compliance with all legal and ethical standards
Fully certificated enforcement officers with extensive experience
Support for vulnerable tenants while protecting client interests
Digital and photographic records to ensure transparency
Expert guidance on security, notices, and property management
Results in Numbers
98%
Completed in 24 hours
100%
Full legal compliance
95%
Client satisfaction
96%
Dispute-free resolution
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does commercial lease forfeiture cost?
Fees are agreed before attendance. Standard charges include £375 for the first hour on site, £120 per additional hour, locksmith fees as required, and £100 for drafting notices where necessary.
Can I forfeit a lease if the tenant has already vacated?
Forfeiture requires the tenant to be in breach of the lease while in occupation. If the tenant has left, alternative remedies may be needed, such as CRAR or a County Court Judgment (CCJ).
Do I need to provide prior notice to the tenant?
Equivo ensures compliance with legal requirements. In most cases, prior notice is not required to regain possession when executing lawful forfeiture.
What happens if the tenant has possessions on site?
Equivo can supervise tenant access to collect possessions. We provide advice on storage and legal notice requirements if items remain unclaimed.
Can I take further action if a tenant disputes the forfeiture?
Equivo provides guidance on maintaining compliance and protecting your legal position. In disputed cases, additional legal steps may be required, and we can coordinate with your legal advisors.
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