At West Country Bailiffs, we have seen a significant increase in commercial lease forfeiture instructions over the past three months, with enquiries and instructions more than doubling compared to normal levels.
The reasons are varied. Rising business costs, reduced consumer spending, increased borrowing costs and ongoing economic pressures have all contributed to a growing number of commercial tenants falling into rent arrears. For many landlords, the reality is that they can no longer afford to allow arrears to continue accumulating and are instead taking decisive action to recover possession of their properties.
As one of the leading commercial forfeiture specialists across the South West and Wales, West Country Bailiffs provides a fast, professional and legally compliant forfeiture service throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wales.
What Is Commercial Lease Forfeiture?
Commercial lease forfeiture is a legal remedy available to landlords when a tenant breaches the terms of their lease, most commonly through non-payment of rent.
Where the lease contains an appropriate forfeiture clause and the legal requirements have been satisfied, landlords may be able to regain possession of their property through peaceable re-entry without the need for lengthy court proceedings.
For many landlords, this provides a significantly quicker and more cost-effective solution than pursuing possession through the courts.
Fast Action When Time Matters
At West Country Bailiffs, we understand that every day a property remains occupied by a non-paying tenant represents lost income and increased risk.
Our experienced team of certificated enforcement agents and accredited locksmiths can often attend within 48 hours of instruction. We coordinate the entire process from initial review through to attendance, securing the property and returning possession to the landlord.
Our team operates throughout the West Country and Wales, providing landlords, managing agents and commercial property owners with a rapid response service when urgent action is required.
More Than Just Changing the Locks
Many people assume a commercial forfeiture simply involves changing the locks and handing over a new set of keys.
In reality, every case is different.
Following re-entry, our responsibility is to ensure the property is left safe, secure and protected. This may involve:
- Installing high-security locks.
- Securing rear access points.
- Conducting a full photographic inventory.
- Taking meter readings.
- Posting statutory notices to include forfeiture notice and TORTs notice.
- Providing detailed reports.
- Arranging supervised access where required.
- Boarding up vulnerable premises.
Where a property is vacant, exposed or located in a high-risk area, boarding-up can be an essential step in preventing criminal damage, vandalism and unlawful re-entry.
Cheltenham Case Study – When Extra Security Was Needed
A recent instruction in Cheltenham highlights why experience and preparation are so important.
Our team attended a commercial premises at 6:00am to carry out a lease forfeiture on behalf of the landlord. The property was secured, possession returned and new locks fitted.
However, within a short period, the former occupier unlawfully gained access back into the premises.
As soon as we were notified, our team returned to site and retook possession of the property. This time, in addition to fitting upgraded high-security locking systems, we arranged for the premises to be professionally boarded up.
This additional security measure prevented any further unlawful access, protected the landlord’s asset and ensured the property remained secure while plans were made for reletting.
Cases such as this demonstrate the importance of working with experienced enforcement professionals who can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and provide practical solutions when problems arise.
Why Choose West Country Bailiffs?
West Country Bailiffs has built a strong reputation for delivering professional commercial forfeiture services across the region.
Our clients choose us because we offer:
- Rapid attendance, often within 48 hours.
- Experienced certificated enforcement agents.
- Accredited locksmith support.
- Full photographic reporting.
- Property securing and boarding-up services.
- Coverage across the West Country and Wales.
- Clear, fixed-fee quotations.
- Extensive experience in commercial landlord enforcement.
With forfeiture instructions continuing to rise throughout 2026, landlords are increasingly looking for experienced partners who can act quickly and protect their interests.
If your commercial tenant has fallen into rent arrears and you are considering forfeiture, our team is available to discuss your options and provide practical advice on the best course of action.
Contact West Country Bailiffs today to discuss your requirements and arrange a fast, professional commercial lease forfeiture service or instruct us today through the following link.
