Fast Commercial Evictions and Property Repossession Across England and Wales
Commercial lease forfeiture allows landlords to lawfully regain control of their property when tenants breach their lease: most commonly by failing to pay rent. At Equivo, we specialise in peaceable re-entry to carry out rapid commercial evictions while avoiding lengthy court proceedings.
We act on instructions within 24 hours to secure your premises, change locks and ensure full compliance with the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Whether managing a single property or a nationwide portfolio, Equivo provides the local expertise and national reach needed for safe and efficient commercial property repossession.
How Equivo Facilitates Commercial Lease Forfeiture
Equivo’s certificated enforcement agents act on behalf of landlords to manage commercial lease forfeiture and property repossession. We handle planning, legal compliance, and documentation to make the process efficient and professional. Our priority is to secure your property quickly while reducing the risk of relief from forfeiture claims.
Peaceable Entry: We manage re-entry and lock changes to regain control of your property safely and legally.
Forfeiture Notices: Official notices are correctly placed to provide clear legal evidence of the repossession.
Photographic Inventory: We produce a digital record of the premises to protect landlords against claims of damage or missing property.
Security Solutions: Coordination of locksmiths and security measures to prevent unauthorised access.
Tenant Access Management: Supervised access for tenants to collect possessions under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977.
Equivo’s Four-Stage Process
Executing commercial lease forfeiture requires careful planning and full legal compliance. Equivo guides landlords through every step, ensuring the property is repossessed efficiently and professionally.
1.
Planning and Assessment
We review the commercial lease to verify the proviso for re-entry and identify legal requirements. Officers assess risks to protect landlord rights and support smooth commercial lease forfeiture.
2.
Notices and Documentation
Official lease notices are placed in line with legal obligations and lease terms. For non-rent breaches like repairs, we serve a statutory Section 146 Notice. We also secure digital evidence of the forfeiture to protect your legal position and mitigate risk.
3.
Securing the Property
After notices are served, officers carry out peaceable entry and change locks. We advise on security measures, including alarms and barriers. Supervised tenant access is provided for collection of possessions if required.
4.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Landlords must avoid actions that could waive the right to forfeit, such as accepting rent or demanding payment after the breach. Equivo ensures each step is fully compliant to reduce the risk of relief from forfeiture claims.
Considerations for Commercial Property Repossession
Before pursuing commercial lease forfeiture or peaceable re-entry, landlords must verify that the following legal criteria are met to avoid claims of wrongful forfeiture:
- Verify the forfeiture clause: Ensure the lease contains an express proviso for re-entry or a forfeiture clause that covers the specific breach.
- Assess the “Waiver of Right”: You must not have taken any action that acknowledges the continued existence of the lease. This includes demanding or accepting rent once the breach is known.
- Prepare for tenant possessions: Plan for the legal requirements of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 regarding any inventory left on site.
- Security and locksmith coordination: Ensure you have professional locksmiths and security measures ready to prevent unauthorised re-entry immediately following the forfeiture.
- Identify the breach type: If the breach is for non-payment of rent, re-entry can typically proceed once the grace period expires. For all other breaches, a Section 146 Notice must be served under the Law of Property Act 1925 to give the tenant time to remedy the issue.
Why Choose Equivo
Equivo delivers fast, reliable and fully compliant commercial lease forfeiture services for landlords across England and Wales. Our certificated enforcement officers combine legal knowledge with practical expertise to manage property repossession efficiently while protecting your rights.
Nationwide Rapid Response: Same-day service with local expertise for single units or large portfolios.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: All actions adhere to statutory and ethical standards, including the Protection from Eviction Act.
Experienced Officers: Fully certificated enforcement officers with extensive experience in commercial lease forfeiture and peaceable re-entry.
Vulnerable Tenant Support: Equivo ensures sensitive handling where tenants require additional support, while protecting landlord interests.
Transparent Documentation: Detailed digital and photographic records for every stage of repossession.
Expert Guidance: Advice on security, lease notices, and property management to minimise risk and disputes.
Results in Numbers
98%
Completed in 24 hours
100%
Full legal compliance
95%
Client satisfaction
96%
Dispute-free resolution
Commercial Lease Forfeiture FAQs
How much does commercial lease forfeiture cost?
Fees are agreed before attendance. Standard charges typically include £375 for the first hour on site, £120 per additional hour, locksmith fees as required, and £100 for drafting official notices. Costs vary depending on property size, location, and complexity.
How long does it take to complete a commercial lease forfeiture?
The timeframe depends on the lease terms and property access. Equivo coordinates every step efficiently, aiming to secure the property safely and legally while minimising delays. Simple cases can often be completed the same day.
Can I forfeit a lease if the tenant has already vacated?
Forfeiture requires the tenant to be in breach of the lease while occupying the property. If the tenant has already left, alternative remedies such as CRAR (Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery) or a County Court Judgment may be required.
What is the difference between commercial lease forfeiture and CRAR?
Commercial lease forfeiture regains property when a tenant breaches lease terms. CRAR is used specifically to recover unpaid rent. Equivo can advise on the best option and guide landlords through legal commercial property repossession.
Do I need to provide prior notice to the tenant?
If forfeiting for non-payment of rent and the lease contains a forfeiture clause, notice is typically not required. For breaches other than rent, a Section 146 notice may be needed under the Law of Property Act 1925, giving the tenant a reasonable period to remedy the breach.
What happens if the tenant has possessions on site?
Equivo can supervise tenant access to collect belongings in line with the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977. We advise on storage and legal notice requirements if items remain unclaimed, protecting landlords from potential claims.
Can I take further action if a tenant disputes the forfeiture?
Disputed cases may require additional legal action. Equivo ensures full documentation and compliance at every stage to protect your legal position and can liaise with your solicitors if needed.
What is the difference between commercial lease forfeiture and CRAR?
Commercial lease forfeiture ends the lease when a tenant breaches its terms. CRAR is specifically for recovering unpaid rent without terminating the lease. Equivo advises landlords on the most suitable approach for each case.
Are Equivo’s commercial lease forfeiture services legally compliant?
Yes. We operate in line with the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, Law of Property Act 1925, and all relevant legislation. Our procedures are fully documented to support landlords and minimise legal risks.
Can Equivo manage peaceable re-entry?
Yes. Our officers are trained in peaceable entry, ensuring commercial evictions are conducted safely, professionally, and without risk of breaching the law.
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