Landlord And Tenant - Summary Of Experience Flashcards
Please tell me what information is required from the client at commencement of the instruction?
- Agreed terms of engagement
- An understanding of your client’s strategy and objectives.
- A copy of the existing lease and any plans attached to the lease.
- Copies of any licences e.g. LTA’s, improvements, deeds of variation.
- Copy of any rent review memorandums.
- Contact details from the tenant to arrange an inspection of the property or details of the landlord/agent.
- Copy of the Property Management file.
- Details of any comparable evidence.
What are the main differences between a Lease and a Licence? (There are 3)
1) A Lease provides an occupier with an estate in the relevant land, a Licence is a permission to make it lawful for them to use the land.
2) A Lease can be assigned, a Licence is normally a personal right that cannot be assigned.
3) A Lease cannot be terminated until it expires (unless there is a break clause,) A Licence cause usually be revoked at any time.
If exclusive possession is granted of a defined area for over 6 months, it is likely to be a lease.
Can you name any case law linked to Leases and Licences?
Street v Mountford 1985
Sets out the differentiation between a lease and a licence.
What are the FOUR requirements of a lease?
1) Exclusive occupation
2) Payment of rent
3) Duration for a specified term
4) If more than 3 years, the terms must be in writing, signed as a deed.
Tell me what is included your Term’s of Engagement in respect to Rent Reviews & Lease Renewals.
Our fees in respect to Rent Reviews and Lease Renewals are based on:
- A Fixed Fee in two stages. Stage 1 - report and Stage 2 - negotiations.
- An hourly rate for A Director, Chartered Surveyor, Graduate Surveyor.
Also a copy of our PI Insurance and CHP
What actions are required by the surveyor in respect to a new instruction?
- Undertake a Conflict of Interest & competency check.
- Agree terms of engagement with the client.
- Understand the Client’s objectives.
- Read the lease packet and any licences carefully.
- Check whether time is of the essence for a rent review.
- Undertake a site inspection & measurement in accordance with RICS Surveying Safely.
- Undertake a market rent valuation.
- Prepare a report to your client setting out your recommendations
What does ‘Without Prejuice mean’?
Means that during the period of negotiations, the opposing party cannot subsequently rely upon any document or discussions held which are labelled ‘Without Prejudice.’
The information is therefore privileged.
What are some of the common Lease terms?
- Names of parties involved (including company number)
- Term / Dates of Lease
- Rent payable
- Service Charge payable
- Landlord’s Obligations
- Tenant’s Obligations.
What could be seen in a rent review clause?
A Rent Review clause may be positioned in a Lease as a ‘Schedule’
It will included how the Rent is going to be ascertaining i.e.:
- RPI
- Upwards only
- On Market Evidence.
Talk me through your discussion and approach to dealing with this matter? (New Century Road Example)
Our firm was instructed by a new client to conduct a rent review in Basildon.
I approached the tenant after receiving contact details from the client and made arrangements to inspect and measure the property at a date that was convenient
After collecting the correct floor areas. I complied comparable evidence and considered an uplift by £6k p.a.
I entering a dialogue with the tenant stating this amount who agreed terms in writing and the RRM was sent out to be signed.
What is a Calderbank Offer?
A Calderbank offer is an offer settled at a given level of rent within a certain time period and if it is not accepted then a third-party surveyor will look at the matter for determination.
Used mainly in rent reviews.
Costs usually awarded to successful party.
Why did you consider the rent to be increased? (New Century Road Example)
The evidence that I collated showed signs that the market rent was higher in Ballisdon local agents backed up my evidence.
What was the square footage of the property (New Century Road Example)
1151 square feet.
What is a Tenancy at Will?
A form of licence created by written agreement for unspecified time in which the landlord may evict the tenant at any time.
Not a legal interest in land with no renewal right.
What is a Wayleave?
A temporary right and receives an annual payment e.g right for an electricity company to install and retain their apparatus.
What is an Easement?
This is a permanent right and receives a capital payment, it allows a right enjoyed by one party over the land of another.
What is Adverse Possession?
The process by which a person who is not the legal owner of the land can become the legal owner through possession of the land for a specified period of time without the owners permission.
Registration Act came into effect in 2003.
10 or 12 years time frame.
What is the basis of a rent review?
- Normally upwards only to the market rent using standard assumptions.
- Other bases of rent review include indexation (often RPI or CPI with caps & collars), turnover rents and stepped increases.
- Time is not normally of the essence (United Scientific Holdings Ltd v Burnley Borough Council 1977)
What are the FOUR usual assumptions of a Rent Review?
1) Property available to let on the open market by willing tenant to a willing landlord for a term of years as stated.
2) Property is fit and available for immediate occupation and use.
3) All covenants observed by landlord and tenant
4) Property may be used for purpose set out in lease
What are the THREE usual disregards with a Rent Review?
1) Any effect of goodwill on tenant’s occupation
2) Ignore goodwill attached to the property
3) Tenant’s improvements if landlord consent has been granted for the works.
What are Headline Rent Review Clauses?
Headline Rent ignores all incentives / concessions granted on a letting, whether they be for fitting out, pure incentive or in lieu of dilapidations / works.
What is the difference between a Lease Renewal and a Rent Review?
A Lease Renewal occurs when the Lease agreement comes to an end.
A Rent Review is normally scheduled in the lease and can lead to an increase or decrease in rent depending on evidence supported / what the lease clause says.