Judgment is now pending in the House of Lords in a case of considerable significance in property circles. The Law Lords have been asked to overrule lower court decisions that a sub-tenant of agricultural property was entitled to sidestep possession moves brought after the tenant accepted notice to quit and agreed not to issue a counter notice. The landlords argued that the notice to quit ended the tenancies of both the tenant and the sub-tenants. But the sub-tenants argued successfully in the County Court and Appeal Court that while the notice was effective as far as the tenant was concerned it did not end the sub-tenancy. The sub-tenants claim that because the tenant had agreed not to issue a counter notice this gave the notice to quit the legal status of a “surrender” of tenancy. And, under the provisions of the 1925 Law of Property Act, although surrender of a tenancy ends the tenancy itself, it does not automatically bring to an end any existing sub-tenancies.
Flotations
Berwin Leighton acted for provider of IT solutions SDL on its £45m flotation on the London stock market. The team was led by corporate partner Chris Mackie and included partner David Dennison advising on share options and intellectual property partner Tonia Gilbert. Norton Rose advised Collins Stewart, sponsor and broker to SDL. Corporate finance partner […]