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Kay-Green and Others v Twinsectra Limited: CA 15 May 1996

The former landlord had sold a number of buildings, some of which fell within Part I of the 1987 Act. The section 5 notice had not been served. The vendor had also failed to comply with his duty (under s 5(5)) to ‘sever’ the transaction, and sell the buildings within Part I separately. A majority … Continue reading Kay-Green and Others v Twinsectra Limited: CA 15 May 1996

Belvedere Court Management Ltd v Frogmore Developments Ltd: CA 24 Oct 1995

Landlords had sold flats to Frogmore without serving a section 5 notice under the 1987 Act. Prior to receipt of a purchase notice, Frogmore granted certain leases in the block of flats to another party. Held: The agreements were upheld, and were not shams even though they had been intended to work around the 1987 … Continue reading Belvedere Court Management Ltd v Frogmore Developments Ltd: CA 24 Oct 1995

Eastham v Leigh London and Provincial Properties Ltd: CA 1971

A contract is not conditional merely because it contains obligations which may be termed promissory conditions. The taxpayer company was the prospective tenant under a building agreement. By clause 4 it agreed to build a six-story office block in Reading and clause 4 provided that if the building was completely and satisfactorily finished the landlords … Continue reading Eastham v Leigh London and Provincial Properties Ltd: CA 1971

Mainwaring and Yeoman’s Row Management Limited v Trustees of Henry Smith’s Charity (No 2): CA 3 Oct 1996

The tenants had sought to purchase the freehold under the 1987 Act. One tenant having signed an ‘irrevocable’ agreement to participate, withdrew his involvement in the purchase, and the remaining number of tenants were no longer a sufficient majority under the Act. Held: The individual tenant’s right not to participate in the purchase of a … Continue reading Mainwaring and Yeoman’s Row Management Limited v Trustees of Henry Smith’s Charity (No 2): CA 3 Oct 1996

Johnson v County Bideford Ltd: UTLC 17 Dec 2012

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – service charges – invalid demand because name of landlord not given – whether made valid for purposes of operation of section 20B by later valid demand – section 20C decision – whether reasons adequate – whether discretion properly exercised – appeal and cross-appeal dismissed – Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 … Continue reading Johnson v County Bideford Ltd: UTLC 17 Dec 2012

Kilby v Basildon District Council: Admn 26 Jul 2006

Tenants complained that the authority landlord had purported to vary a clause in his secure tenancy agreement which gave certain management rights to tenants. Held: The powers to let on secure tenancies were governed by statute. The clause which was removed was an unlawful fetter on the authorty’s powers and duties. As such the court … Continue reading Kilby v Basildon District Council: Admn 26 Jul 2006

Thirlaway v Masculet and Others: UTLC 29 Oct 2012

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – variation of leases – dwelling house converted to three flats – application by freeholder and two leaseholders for variation of all leases to allow full recovery of costs incurred by freeholder in running block – requested variation order made by LVT – whether object of variation could be satisfactorily achieved … Continue reading Thirlaway v Masculet and Others: UTLC 29 Oct 2012

Chinnock v Hocaoglu and Another: CA 29 Oct 2008

The parties had contracted for the sale of a property subject to a residential tenancy under the 1987 Act. The purchaser appealed refusal of specific performance, the court having found that it had failed to meet a precondition for serving a notice to complete. It had agreed to discharge liabilities to the seller, and contract … Continue reading Chinnock v Hocaoglu and Another: CA 29 Oct 2008

Okonedo v Kirby and Another: LT 9 May 2006

LANDLORD AND TENANT – tenants’ right of first refusal – purchase notice by tenants requiring transfer of freehold – original disposal by gift – whether price payable on transfer should be nil -Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 s 12B Citations: [2006] EWLands LRX – 15 – 2006 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Landlord and … Continue reading Okonedo v Kirby and Another: LT 9 May 2006

Shellpoint Trustees Ltd and Another v Barnett and Others: UTLC 8 Oct 2012

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – variation of leases – application by landlords and majority of leaseholders for variation of all leases to allow replacement of communal heating system with individual boilers and recovery of management and legal costs through the service charge – appeal against LVT’s refusal to order recovery of management and legal costs … Continue reading Shellpoint Trustees Ltd and Another v Barnett and Others: UTLC 8 Oct 2012

Arrowgame Ltd v Maxwell Brent Wildsmith and Others: ChD 22 Nov 2012

The landlord appealed against an order for the sale of its reversion to the long lessees of the property. Held: The appeal failed. However it was incumbent on those serving a notice under section 27 to state precisely their objection to the continued management and ownership of the freehold by the landlord. Judges: Geraldine Andrews … Continue reading Arrowgame Ltd v Maxwell Brent Wildsmith and Others: ChD 22 Nov 2012

Campbell v Daejan Properties Ltd: CA 20 Nov 2012

The tenant appealed against an order requiring the amendment of what was found to be an obvious error in the lease as to the responsibility of the lessor to make repairs to certain walls and rooves, and the apportionment of liability for payment of any associated costs. Held: The appeal succeeded. There was no obvious … Continue reading Campbell v Daejan Properties Ltd: CA 20 Nov 2012

Wallace v C Brian Barratt and Son Limited and Lock: CA 19 Mar 1997

The court was asked whether the defendant company, which was the tenant under an agricultural tenancy agreement of land comprising arable fields, was in breach of a covenant in the tenancy not to assign, underlet, or part with or share possession or occupation of the whole or any part of the holding by virtue of … Continue reading Wallace v C Brian Barratt and Son Limited and Lock: CA 19 Mar 1997

Beitov Properties Ltd v Martin: UTLC 8 May 2012

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – service charges – address of landlord in demand to tenant for rent or other sums – whether address of landlord’s agent sufficient – held that it was not – appeal dismissed – Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 s 47 Citations: [2012] UKUT 133 (LC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Landlord and Tenant … Continue reading Beitov Properties Ltd v Martin: UTLC 8 May 2012

Marks and Spencer Plc v BNP Paribas Securities Services Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd and Another: SC 2 Dec 2015

The Court considered whether, on exercising a break clause in a lease, the tenant was entitled to recover rent paid in advance. Held: The appeal failed. The Court of Appeal had imposed what was established law. The test for whether a clause might be implied in a contract is: ‘that it is necessary for business … Continue reading Marks and Spencer Plc v BNP Paribas Securities Services Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd and Another: SC 2 Dec 2015

Iesini and Others v Westrip Holdings Ltd and Others: ChD 16 Oct 2009

The claimants were shareholders in Westrip, accusing the Defendant directors of deliberately engaging in a course of conduct which has led to Westrip losing ownership and control of a very valuable mining licence and which, but for their intervention, would have led to Westrip losing all or almost all of its remaining assets. They say … Continue reading Iesini and Others v Westrip Holdings Ltd and Others: ChD 16 Oct 2009

Staunton v Kaye and Another: UTLC 9 Aug 2010

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – service charges – proceedings transferred to LVT from county court – LVT remitting case to county court on basis that it had no jurisdiction – whether demand on which claim based was in respect of service charges – held that it was – held that LVT had jurisdiction – whether … Continue reading Staunton v Kaye and Another: UTLC 9 Aug 2010

Equity and Law Life Assurance Society plc v Bodfield Ltd: CA 1987

The court discussed the nature and purpose of rent review clauses: ‘There is no doubt that the general object of a rent review clause, which provides that the rent cannot be reduced on a review, is to provide the landlord with some measure of relief where, by increases in property values or falls in the … Continue reading Equity and Law Life Assurance Society plc v Bodfield Ltd: CA 1987

Remblance v Octagon Assets Ltd: CA 17 Jun 2009

A statutory demand was served against the guarantor of the lease after rent arrears arose. He applied for the demand to be set aside, and now appealed against its refusal. He said that the court would have set aside such a demand against the tenant, and should provide similar relief to a guarantor. Held: (Mummery … Continue reading Remblance v Octagon Assets Ltd: CA 17 Jun 2009

Norwich Union Life Insurance Society v Shopmoor Ltd: ChD 10 Apr 1997

The tenants had applied for a licence to assign the property. The landlords had prevaricated, and the judge found their delay unreasonable and that it amounted to an unreasonable withholding of consent. They now appealed. Held: The 1988 Act did not make clear that a tenant faced with a delay could nevertheless complete the assignment. … Continue reading Norwich Union Life Insurance Society v Shopmoor Ltd: ChD 10 Apr 1997

Cawsand Fort Management Company Ltd v Stafford and others: CA 20 Nov 2007

The tenant had sought an order under the 1987 Act for the appointment of a manager of the apartments. The landlord appealed against the order saying that it could not apply to buildings which were not comprised in the buildings containing the leasehold flats and their curtilages. Held: The appeal failed. The Act ‘requires a … Continue reading Cawsand Fort Management Company Ltd v Stafford and others: CA 20 Nov 2007

Eccles v Bryant and Pollock: CA 1947

The Plaintiff contended that a letter written by the purchaser’s solicitor which effectively set out the terms of the agreement, enclosed the part of the contract signed by the purchaser, and asked in exchange for the counter-part signed by the vendor, created a binding contract between the parties. Held: Negotiations ‘subject to contract’ for the … Continue reading Eccles v Bryant and Pollock: CA 1947

Burrows v Brent London Borough Council: HL 31 Oct 1996

The authority had obtained a possession order from its secure tenant but then agreed to accept payments toward the arrears. The tenant applied for and was granted a declaration that she had on that agreement acquired a new tenancy. The authority appealed. Held: The agreement had created a new tenancy even after a final possession … Continue reading Burrows v Brent London Borough Council: HL 31 Oct 1996

Taylor v OCS Group Ltd: CA 31 May 2006

The employer appealed against findings of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. The employee worked in IT. He was profoundly deaf, but could lip read and read sign language. He had been accused of obtaining improper access to a senior staff member’s emails. During the disciplinary hearing, he had been assisted by an interpreter for part … Continue reading Taylor v OCS Group Ltd: CA 31 May 2006

Desnousse v London Borough of Newham and others: CA 17 May 2006

The occupier had been granted a temporary licence by the authority under the homelessness provisions whilst it made its assessment. The assessment concluded that she had become homeless intentionally, and therefore terminated the licence and set out to evict her. She claimed that the authority had to get a court authority before so evicting her. … Continue reading Desnousse v London Borough of Newham and others: CA 17 May 2006

Harlow District Council v Hall: CA 28 Feb 2006

The defendant had been subject to a possession order in respect of his secure tenancy. He was later adjudged bankrupt. He asserted that the bankruptcy specifically prevented other action to enforce the debt, and the suspended possession order was such an enforcement. Held: Where the terms of suspension were expressed so as to indicate that … Continue reading Harlow District Council v Hall: CA 28 Feb 2006

Fitzroy House Epworth Street (No. 1) Ltd and Another v Financial Times Ltd: CA 31 Mar 2006

The defendant tenant sought to exercise a break clause in the lease. The landlord said that the notice was deficient because the tenant had failed ‘materially to comply with’ its repairing obligations. The judge found the cost of repairs were andpound;20,000, and that the tenant had done sufficient to be in material compliance with its … Continue reading Fitzroy House Epworth Street (No. 1) Ltd and Another v Financial Times Ltd: CA 31 Mar 2006

Parsons and Another v George and Another: CA 13 Jul 2004

The claimant sought to begin proceedings to renew his business tenancy, but the proceedings were issued in the wrong name. He sought to amend the proceedings to substitute the correct defendant, but that application was out of time. Held: Proceedings under the 1954 Act were not within the proceedings listed by CPR 19.5 since the … Continue reading Parsons and Another v George and Another: CA 13 Jul 2004

Pla and Puncernau v Andorra: ECHR 13 Jul 2004

A will made by a widow in 1939, left certain property to her son Francesc-Xavier, as tenant for life, with a stipulation that he was to leave this inheritance to a son or grandson of a lawful and canonical marriage, failing which the estate was to pass to the children and grandchildren of the testatrix’s … Continue reading Pla and Puncernau v Andorra: ECHR 13 Jul 2004

Kennedy v K B Van Emden and Co; Jordan v Gershon Young Finer and Green and Similar: CA 27 Mar 1996

A solicitor failed in 1983 to advise a purchaser of the fact that premium she was paying on purchasing a leasehold flat was unlawful under the Act, and would be unrecoverable on the sale. Before trial however, in 1989 the law changed and the premium would now be recoverable. Held: It was wrong to assess … Continue reading Kennedy v K B Van Emden and Co; Jordan v Gershon Young Finer and Green and Similar: CA 27 Mar 1996

Lloyd and others v Dugdale and Another: CA 21 Nov 2001

The claimants asserted a right to possession of land, and the defendant resisted, claiming a proprietary estoppel. A predecessor had intended to grant a sub-lease to the defendant, who had arranged for his company JAD Ltd to execute major works on the strength of that promise. JAD was given permission to store items there, but … Continue reading Lloyd and others v Dugdale and Another: CA 21 Nov 2001

Conway and Others v Jam Factory Freehold Ltd: UTLC 10 Dec 2013

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – service charges – whether landlord’s costs of leaseholders’ unsuccessful application to appoint manager recoverable as service charge – section 24, Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 – whether costs of leaseholders’ application to determine service charges recoverable as service charge – section 20C, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – whether LVT … Continue reading Conway and Others v Jam Factory Freehold Ltd: UTLC 10 Dec 2013

Dixon and Others v Wellington Close Management Company: UTLC 26 Mar 2012

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – variation of lease – validity of application – requirement that not more than 10% of tenants should be opposed to application – whether LVT had wrongly assessed number of tenants opposed to application – held they had not – appeal dismissed – Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 s 37(5) Citations: … Continue reading Dixon and Others v Wellington Close Management Company: UTLC 26 Mar 2012

Michaels and Michaels v Taylor Woodrow Developments Ltd, etc: ChD 19 Apr 2000

The respondents sought to strike out the claim for conspiracy and failure to comply with the Act. The respondent was landlord of premises occupied by the claimants. They had served a notice under the Act of their intention to sell. Held: The 1987 Act did not confer a right to pre-emption as such. Having gone … Continue reading Michaels and Michaels v Taylor Woodrow Developments Ltd, etc: ChD 19 Apr 2000

London and Associated Investment Trust Plc v Calow: 1986

The defendants had sought premises for a consulting business. A licence was initially given to allow the premises to be prepared for occupation, but then a head lease was granted. An underlease for the defendant was prepared, but not executed. On the defendant leaving, the claimants said that the defendant was bound as tenant to … Continue reading London and Associated Investment Trust Plc v Calow: 1986

Director of Public Prosecutions v Jones and Lloyd: HL 4 Mar 1999

21 people protested peacefully on the verge of the A344, next to the perimeter fence at Stonehenge. Some carried banners saying ‘Never Again,’ ‘Stonehenge Campaign 10 years of Criminal Injustice’ and ‘Free Stonehenge.’ The officer in charge concluded that they constituted a ‘trespassory assembly’ and told them so. When asked to move off, many did, … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Jones and Lloyd: HL 4 Mar 1999

Credit Suisse v Beegas Nominees Ltd: ChD 15 Sep 1993

The landlord had covenanted to maintain, repair amend renew and otherwise keep in good and tenantable condition the structure of the building. Held: A Landlord’s covenant to keep in good repair can include a duty to put the property into repair. The wording went beyond a mere covenant to repair. The court relied on the … Continue reading Credit Suisse v Beegas Nominees Ltd: ChD 15 Sep 1993

Udall v Capri Lighting Ltd (in liquidation): CA 1987

A claim was made for the price of goods sold and delivered. The defendant’s solicitor gave an oral undertaking to his counterpart to procure the execution by directors of his client company of charges over their homes in return for an adjournment sine die. The charges were not executed, and the defendant company went into … Continue reading Udall v Capri Lighting Ltd (in liquidation): CA 1987

Regina on the Application of Davies (No 2) v HM Deputy Coroner for Birmingham: CA 27 Feb 2004

The claimant appealed against a costs order. She had previously appealed against an order of the High Court on her application for judicial review of the inquest held by the respondent. Held: The coroner, and others in a similar position should not generally be expected to pay the costs of an appeal against an order … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Davies (No 2) v HM Deputy Coroner for Birmingham: CA 27 Feb 2004

Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

Mitchell and Another v Glasgow City Council: HL 18 Feb 2009

(Scotland) The pursuers were the widow and daughter of a tenant of the respondent who had been violently killed by his neighbour. They said that the respondent, knowing of the neighbour’s violent behaviours had a duty of care to the deceased and should have removed the neighbour, or warned them when their attempts to remove … Continue reading Mitchell and Another v Glasgow City Council: HL 18 Feb 2009

Tandon v Trustees of Spurgeons Homes: HL 1982

Tenants sought enfranchisement of their properties, but 75% of building consisted of a shop, and only 25% was living accomodation. Held: The tenants were entitled to buy the freehold. The question whether a building is a house ‘reasonably so called’ is one of law. The House made two particular points of general application on the … Continue reading Tandon v Trustees of Spurgeons Homes: HL 1982

Englefield Court Tenants v Skeels: LVT 1990

Tenants sought to exercise their rights to purchase the freehold under the 1987 Act. The landlord had granted a reversionary lease of part to her husband. Held: The tenants took the freehold subject to the lease. Judges: Lady Fox Citations: [1990] 2 EGLR 230 Statutes: Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 5 Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Englefield Court Tenants v Skeels: LVT 1990

Heffernan, Regina (on the Application of) v the Rent Service: Admn 10 Oct 2006

The claimant sought judicial review of the redetermination of housing benefits payable in respect of two flats rented out by him. The rent office said that the regulations were merely intended to put in statute form the previous practice used when identifying the ‘locality’ fro comparable lettings. Judges: Gilbart QC J Citations: [2006] EWHC 2478 … Continue reading Heffernan, Regina (on the Application of) v the Rent Service: Admn 10 Oct 2006

Crehan v Inntrepreneur Pub Company (CPC): CA 21 May 2004

The claimant had taken two leases, but had been made subject to beer ties with the defendant. He claimed damages for the losses, saying he had been forced to pay higher prices than those allowed to non-tied houses, and that the agreement was anti-competitive, and that the individual exemption from the EC Treaty obligations which … Continue reading Crehan v Inntrepreneur Pub Company (CPC): CA 21 May 2004

W T Ramsay Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 12 Mar 1981

The taxpayers used schemes to create allowable losses, and now appealed assessment to tax. The schemes involved a series of transactions none of which were a sham, but which had the effect of cancelling each other out. Held: If the true nature of the transactions could be seen by looking at them all together, then … Continue reading W T Ramsay Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 12 Mar 1981

Confetti Records (A Firm), Fundamental Records, Andrew Alcee v Warner Music UK Ltd (Trading As East West Records): ChD 23 May 2003

An agreement was made for the assignment of the copyright in a music track, but it remained ‘subject to contract’. The assignor later sought to resile from the assignment. Held: It is standard practice in the music licensing business for a licensee and a licensor to enter into a deal memo followed by a long … Continue reading Confetti Records (A Firm), Fundamental Records, Andrew Alcee v Warner Music UK Ltd (Trading As East West Records): ChD 23 May 2003

Gateway Property Holdings Ltd v Ross Wharf RTM Company Ltd: UTLC 29 Feb 2016

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – RIGHT TO MANAGE – address for service of claim notice – whether address notified to RTM company – whether superseded by address on subsequent service charge demands given to company members – consequence of failure to serve claim notice at correct address – section 111(4), Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act … Continue reading Gateway Property Holdings Ltd v Ross Wharf RTM Company Ltd: UTLC 29 Feb 2016

JBW Group Ltd v Westminster City Council: CA 12 Mar 2010

The tenant had applied to the landlord for consent to assign certain leases. The court had declared the right to exercise break clauses in certain leases as lost. The court had found the right to be lost after the assignment of the leases by the original tenant, that the exercise of a break clauses limited … Continue reading JBW Group Ltd v Westminster City Council: CA 12 Mar 2010

Bankway Properties Ltd v Penfold-Dunsford and Another: CA 24 Apr 2001

A grant of an assured tenancy included a clause under which the rent would be increased from pounds 4,680, to pounds 25,000 per year. It was expected that the tenant would be reliant upon Housing Benefit to pay the rent, and that Housing Benefit would be insufficient. Held: The agreement to increase the rent was … Continue reading Bankway Properties Ltd v Penfold-Dunsford and Another: CA 24 Apr 2001

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Dartmouth Court Blackheath Ltd v Berisworth Ltd: ChD 27 Feb 2008

Tenants asserted a right of first refusal under the 1987 Act on a proposed disposal of the freehold. Mr Justice Warren [2008] EWHC 350 (Ch), [2008] 2 EGLR 141, [2008] 1 P and CR DG23, [2008] L and TR 12, [2008] NPC 25, [2008] 2 P and CR 3, [2008] 9 EG 200 (CS) Bailii … Continue reading Dartmouth Court Blackheath Ltd v Berisworth Ltd: ChD 27 Feb 2008

Harbour Estates Limited v HSBC Bank Plc: ChD 15 Jul 2004

The lease contained a break clause. The parties disputed whether the benefit of the clause was personal to the orginal lessee, or whether it touched and concerned the land, and therefore the benefit of it passed with the land. Held: The defendant was entitled to exercise and did validly exercise the break clause. The purpose … Continue reading Harbour Estates Limited v HSBC Bank Plc: ChD 15 Jul 2004

MacGregor v BM Samuels Finance Group Ltd: UTLC 21 Oct 2013

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – service charges – whether any credit for overpayment should be given to all leaseholders or just appellant – whether respondent’s conduct amounting to breach of trust and/or RICS Code of Conduct – whether VAT on electricity supply to common parts of blocks of flats should be charged at reduced rate … Continue reading MacGregor v BM Samuels Finance Group Ltd: UTLC 21 Oct 2013

Bristol City Council v Hassan and Glastonbury: CA 23 May 2006

The council had obtained possession orders for two properties from secure tenants, but the orders were suspended for so long as rent arrears were being discharged. The judges had understood that a date must appear on the possession order. Held: McPhail suggested that ‘whereas as against squatters owners of land who obtained an order for … Continue reading Bristol City Council v Hassan and Glastonbury: CA 23 May 2006

Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Association Ltd: HL 28 Oct 1999

Same Sex Paartner to Inherit as Family Member The claimant had lived with the original tenant in a stable and long standing homosexual relationship at the deceased’s flat. After the tenant’s death he sought a statutory tenancy as a spouse of the deceased. The Act had been extended to include as a spouse someone living … Continue reading Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Association Ltd: HL 28 Oct 1999

Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National Plc and seven Others: ComC 24 Apr 2008

The Office sought a declaration that the respondent and other banks were subject to the provisions of the Regulations in their imposition of bank charges to customer accounts, and in particular as to the imposition of penalties or charges for the breach of the overdraft limits. Held: The relevant terms were not exempt from assessment … Continue reading Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National Plc and seven Others: ComC 24 Apr 2008

Day and Another v Hosebay Ltd; Lexgorge Ltd v Howard de Walden Estates Ltd etc: CA 1 Jul 2010

Properties had been built as substantial single dwellings. Later they had been converted into separate dwellings and let accordingly. The tenants sought to acquire the freeholds under the 1967 Act. Though required by the lease to use the properties as private dwellings, they had been used as short term lets for tourists. The landlord now … Continue reading Day and Another v Hosebay Ltd; Lexgorge Ltd v Howard de Walden Estates Ltd etc: CA 1 Jul 2010

Austin v Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Southwark: SC 23 Jun 2010

The appellant’s brother had been the secure tenant of the respondent Council which had in 1987 obtained an order for possession for rent arrears suspended on condition. The condition had not been complied with, but the brother had continued to live in the house paying rent and sums from the arrears until he died in … Continue reading Austin v Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Southwark: SC 23 Jun 2010

Ladd v Marshall: CA 29 Nov 1954

Conditions for new evidence on appeal At the trial, the wife of the appellant’s opponent said she had forgotten certain events. After the trial she began divorce proceedings, and informed the appellant that she now remembered. He sought either to appeal admitting fresh evidence, or for a retrial. Held: The Court of Appeal refused to … Continue reading Ladd v Marshall: CA 29 Nov 1954

Antaios Compania Naviera SA v Salen Rederierna AB (‘the Antaios’): HL 1984

A ship charterer discovered that the bills of lading were incorrect, but delayed withdrawal from the charter for 13 days. They now sought leave to appeal the arbitration award against them. Held: Though he deprecated extending the use of the expression ‘purposive construction’ from the interpretation of statutes to the interpretation of private contracts, Lord … Continue reading Antaios Compania Naviera SA v Salen Rederierna AB (‘the Antaios’): HL 1984

Ruxley Electronics and Construction Ltd v Forsyth: HL 29 Jun 1995

Damages on Construction not as Agreed The appellant had contracted to build a swimming pool for the respondent, but, after agreeing to alter the specification to construct it to a certain depth, in fact built it to the original lesser depth, Damages had been awarded to the house owner against a builder at the cost … Continue reading Ruxley Electronics and Construction Ltd v Forsyth: HL 29 Jun 1995

Magnohard Ltd v Cadogan and Another: CA 4 May 2012

The parties disputed whether a building was a house ‘reasonably so called’ within the 1987 Act. The instant building was designed or adapted for living in, and was divided horizontally into six flats or maisonettes, and included shops. Held: The appeal failed. The words ‘reasonably so called’ are intended to be words of limitation, so … Continue reading Magnohard Ltd v Cadogan and Another: CA 4 May 2012

Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs v Meier and Others: SC 1 Dec 2009

The claimant sought a possession order to recover land from trespassers. The court considered whether a possession order was available where not all the land was occupied, and it was feared that the occupiers might simply move onto a different part. Held: The defendants’ appeal was allowed. The court may grant an injunction to prevent … Continue reading Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs v Meier and Others: SC 1 Dec 2009

Societe Generale, London Branch v Geys: SC 19 Dec 2012

The claimant’s employment by the bank had been terminated. The parties disputed the sums due, and the date of the termination of the contract. The court was asked ‘Does a repudiation of a contract of employment by the employer which takes the form of an express and immediate dismissal automatically terminate the contract?’ Held: Mr … Continue reading Societe Generale, London Branch v Geys: SC 19 Dec 2012

Malekshad v Howard de Walden Estates Limited: HL 5 Dec 2002

A house and an adjoining building had been first demised under one lease, then separated vertically. Two separate residential properties now existed. Held: The vertical division meant that the two houses could not be enfranchised as one under the Act. The Act also provided that where a property had been divided in such a way … Continue reading Malekshad v Howard de Walden Estates Limited: HL 5 Dec 2002

Regina v Home Secretary, ex parte Sivakumaran: HL 16 Dec 1987

The House of Lords were concerned with the correct test to be applied in determining whether asylum seekers are entitled to the status of refugee. That in turn gave rise to an issue, turning upon the proper interpretation of Article 1.A(2) of the Convention. Held: When deciding whether an asylum applicant’s fear of persecution was … Continue reading Regina v Home Secretary, ex parte Sivakumaran: HL 16 Dec 1987

London Borough of Newham v Khatun, Zeb and Iqbal: CA 24 Feb 2004

The council made offers of accommodation which were rejected as inappropriate by the proposed tenants. Held: The council was given a responsibility to act reasonably. It was for them, not the court to make that assessment subject only to Wednesbury considerations. Nor was it for the proposed tenants’ views to hold sway. At first instance … Continue reading London Borough of Newham v Khatun, Zeb and Iqbal: CA 24 Feb 2004

MSM Consulting Ltd v United Republic of Tanzania: QBD 30 Jan 2009

The claimants sought commission or a quantum meruit for the part they had taken in finding a suitable site for the defendant’s High Commission in London. Held: The works undertaken were consistent with the claimant seeking work from the defendant. No contract had been signed, and the defendant had indicated a reluctance to agree to … Continue reading MSM Consulting Ltd v United Republic of Tanzania: QBD 30 Jan 2009

FSHC Group Holdings Ltd v Glas Trust Corporation Ltd: CA 31 Jul 2019

Rectification – Chartbrook not followed Opportunity for an appellate court to clarify the correct test to apply in deciding whether the written terms of a contract may be rectified because of a common mistake. Held: The appeal failed. The judge was right to conclude that an objective observer would have understood – just as Barclays … Continue reading FSHC Group Holdings Ltd v Glas Trust Corporation Ltd: CA 31 Jul 2019

Kirin-Amgen Inc and others v Hoechst Marion Roussel Limited and others etc: HL 21 Oct 2004

The claims arose in connection with the validity and alleged infringement of a European Patent on erythropoietin (‘EPO’). Held: ‘Construction is objective in the sense that it is concerned with what a reasonable person to whom the utterance was addressed would have understood the author to be using the words to mean. Notice, however, that … Continue reading Kirin-Amgen Inc and others v Hoechst Marion Roussel Limited and others etc: HL 21 Oct 2004

Grosvenor Estates Ltd v Prospect Estates Ltd: CA 21 Nov 2008

The tenant under a long lease sought enfranchisement. The landlord denied that it was a ‘house’ reasonably so called within the 1967 Act. The building had been constructed as a house, but was now substantially used as offices. They could only be used under the lease as to 11.5% for residential purposes, the remainder of … Continue reading Grosvenor Estates Ltd v Prospect Estates Ltd: CA 21 Nov 2008

Earl Cadogan v Pitts and Wang; Similar: HL 10 Dec 2008

The House considered the basis of valuation on an acquisition of the freehold reversion of a lease under the 1967 Act of the three elements, the rent, vacant possession after the lease, and the marriage or hope value of the two interests when merged, and particularly the last. Held: In relation to a valuation under … Continue reading Earl Cadogan v Pitts and Wang; Similar: HL 10 Dec 2008

Scott v Southern Pacific Mortgages Ltd and Others: SC 22 Oct 2014

The appellant challenged a sale and rent back transaction. He said that the proposed purchaser had misrepresented the transaction to them. The Court was asked s whether the home owners had interests whose priority was protected by virtue of section 29(2)(a)(ii) of, and Schedule 3, paragraph 2, to the Land Registration Act 2002. Held: The … Continue reading Scott v Southern Pacific Mortgages Ltd and Others: SC 22 Oct 2014

Jaggard v Sawyer and Another: CA 18 Jul 1994

Recovery of damages after Refusal of Injunction The plaintiff appealed against the award of damages instead of an injunction aftter the County court had found the defendant to have trespassed on his land by a new building making use of a private right of way. Held: The appeal failed. A court may substitute damages for … Continue reading Jaggard v Sawyer and Another: CA 18 Jul 1994