Laura Lea

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a major piece of legislation currently progressing through Parliament. It aims to reform the private rented sector in England. Although the timeline has shifted, the Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in summer 2025, with implementation between October 2025 and January 2026. The Bill introduces some major changes which will have a significant impact on the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector, including: Abolition of fixed term tenancies. No more ‘no-fault’ evictions.

The McDonald’s Restaurants Limited v Shirayama Shokusan Company Limited [2024] EWHC 1133 (Ch) case explores section 30(1)(g) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the “LTA 1954”). A dispute arose when the tenant, McDonald’s, sought to renew its lease with Shirayama Shokusan (the “Landlord”) and the Landlord opposed the renewal on the basis that the Landlord intended to occupy the premises for its own business purposes.

A recent decision in the County Court has provided useful guidance on how a request to insert energy efficiency clauses into leases during a lease renewal will be treated. In an ideal scenario, a lease renewal will proceed smoothly with the parties reaching an agreement in respect of the renewal lease terms. Often the most contentious point is rent, however, it is becoming more common for landlords and tenants to propose terms which did not form part of the original lease.