Dealing with tenant breaches or unpaid commercial rent can be challenging. If a tenant has failed to meet their lease obligations, one effective solution is forfeiture of commercial lease—a legal process that allows landlords to end a commercial lease early. This swift and decisive action enables property owners to regain control of their premises and protect their investment. Our expert enforcement agents ensure the process is carried out professionally, efficiently, and in full compliance with the law.
On the receipt of written instructions, our agents will attend your property alongside a locksmith and gain peaceful re-entry to the premises. Once inside we will change the locks and carry out an inventory if required, and our agents will display the required notices warning others of the consequences of any unauthorised entry. This will also include details of how goods which remain at the premises can be claimed back. If required, supervised access to facilitate this can be arranged with the tenant.
Our Forfeiture of Commercial Lease service includes:
The South West Enforcement Experts
With over 30 years experience, West Country Bailiffs are regarded as a leading provider of Commercial eviction services nationwide.
From our strategic locations in the West Country, we offer a national reach with our expert enforcement team specialising in Forfeiture of Commercial Property. Serving landlords, agents, and firms, we ensure swift, compliant lease terminations.
Our dedicated bailiffs foster client relationships built on trust and effective results.
Once instructed, our agents swiftly within 24 hours and prepare for peaceful property re-entry.
We collaborate with locksmiths to gain access and change locks, ensuring property security.
Clear Forfeiture notices are displayed, with inventory and new keys delivered to the landlords.
Need to regain control of your commercial space?
With West Country Bailiffs, you can forfeit a lease without any court hassles.
Act swiftly, instruct us online or through email for immediate action, and watch us efficiently restore your property rights within 24 hours.
1. What is forfeiture of a commercial lease?
Forfeiture is the legal process a landlord can use to terminate a commercial lease when a tenant breaches the lease terms—most commonly for non-payment of rent or serious breaches such as misuse of the premises. It brings the lease to an end and removes the tenant’s right to occupy the property.
2. Can a landlord forfeit a lease without going to court?
Yes, in cases of rent arrears, landlords can usually forfeit the lease through peaceable re-entry, provided the lease includes a forfeiture clause. For other breaches, a Section 146 Notice must first be served, and court action may be necessary if the breach is not remedied.
3. What is a Section 146 Notice?
A Section 146 Notice is a legal notice that must be served on the tenant before forfeiting a lease for breaches other than rent arrears. It outlines the breach and gives the tenant a reasonable opportunity to remedy it, where applicable.
4. What happens after a commercial lease is forfeited?
Once forfeiture is carried out, the landlord regains possession of the property. The tenant must vacate and has no further right to occupy the premises. However, the tenant may still be liable for unpaid rent or other losses under the lease.
5. What is a TORTs Notice and why is it displayed?
After forfeiture, our certificated enforcement agents display a TORTs (Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977) notice at the premises. This informs the former tenant that their goods are being held and must be collected within a specified time frame. If not collected, the goods may be disposed of or sold to recover costs. This notice protects both landlord and tenant under the law.
6. Can the tenant return to collect their belongings after forfeiture?
Yes. We manage supervised access to allow former tenants to collect their belongings following forfeiture. This ensures the process is carried out safely, lawfully, and without disruption. Access must be arranged in advance during the seven day TORTs notice period and will be monitored by our enforcement agents on site.
🔹 Need Help with Commercial Lease Forfeiture?
We provide a fast, professional forfeiture service across the UK. If you’re dealing with a tenant breach, contact our team today to discuss your options and take action.
👉 Contact Us Now or call 01803 895441
Get in touch and one of our enforcement experts will be happy to help!
Head Office
Head Office:
Second Floor
Old Bank Chambers
Fore Street, St Marychurch
Torquay, Devon
TQ1 4PR
Cornwall Office:
Penstraze Business Centre
Truro
Cornwall
TR4 8PN
Bristol Office:
Newminster House
29 Baldwin Street
Bristol
Avon
BS1 1LT
