The following can only be a brief introduction of the legal subject concerned. Before you take any action which may have legal consequence, you should first seek advice from your own lawyer or make an appointment at any District Office to see a volunteer lawyer of the Free Legal Advice Scheme.




(205)REDEVELOPMENT CASES

Voice

Since 2004 there has been no statutory compensation for tenants whose landlords wish to terminate their tenancy in order to redevelop the premises. However, a landlord cannot retake possession of the premises before the end of the agreed term unless the tenancy agreement contains a provision permitting the landlord to do so. It is quite common for longer leases of business premises and for leases of more valuable residential premises to contain such a provision.

If a landlord seeks to exercise such a provision, its terms must be strictly adhered to. Those terms usually require that a minimum period of written notice be given and that the landlord has resolved to rebuild the premises.

It is unusual for compensation to be provided for but the tenant may be able to negotiate compensation with the landlord in exchange for vacating the premises early.

Date of amendment: 22nd February 2013