This practice note outlines the statutory limitations on the right of a landlord to forfeit a long residential lease because of a breach of covenant by the tenant. These limitations, particularly those contained in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, severely restrict the right of a landlord to forfeit a long residential lease.

This note focuses on the circumstances in which a landlord can exercise a right of forfeiture but it does not consider the rules relating to relief from forfeiture once forfeiture proceedings have started.