Commercial Tenant Rent Arrears; Practical Strategies for Enforcement

This session will explore the key principles governing rent arrears in commercial leases, what options are available for landlords and how effective they are.

The webinar examines the full range of landlord remedies, from self-help remedies such as forfeiture and Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR), to formal debt recovery by way of statutory demands, High Court enforcement, and court proceedings.

The session also considers insolvency-related procedures including individual voluntary arrangements, bankruptcy, debt relief orders, company voluntary arrangements, administration, receivership, and winding-up, examining how each affects the landlord’s ability to recover rent and enforce its rights.

Recent legislative developments are addressed, including the 14 clear days’ notice requirement for CRAR (in force from 1 May 2026), the standalone moratorium under the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, and the proposed ban on upwards-only rent reviews under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

Who this is for:

This session is a must-attend for Property professionals, solicitors and trainees.

Top 3 facts from the webinar:

1. Exercising CRAR automatically waives the right to forfeit for the same arrears. From 1 May 2026, landlords must give 14 clear days' notice before an enforcement agent can take control of goods.

2. A statutory demand should only be used where the debt is genuinely undisputed and above the relevant threshold. Using one to pressure a tenant with a legitimate cross-claim can be set aside and may expose the landlord to a costs order.

3. Once a company tenant enters administration or a CIGA 2020 moratorium, most landlord enforcement remedies are stayed automatically. Prompt action before insolvency proceedings begin, and maintaining open dialogue with officeholders, is essential to maximise recovery.

Level of expertise:

Intermediate – some previous knowledge or awareness required

CPD hours:

This webinar provides you with 1 hour of learning.

Attendees will receive a CPD certificate upon completion of this course.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify and evaluate the full range of remedies available to landlords of commercial premises facing tenant rent arrears.
2. Explain the distinction between forfeiture and waiver, and identify conduct that may constitute waiver of the right to forfeit.
3. Apply the procedural requirements for Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR), including the 14 clear days' notice requirement in force from 1 May 2026.
4. Advise on the use and limitations of statutory demands and court proceedings for debt recovery.
5. Understand the effect of tenant insolvency procedures—including administration, CVA, moratorium, and bankruptcy—on landlord remedies.
6. Apply best practice principles to advise clients on prompt action and multi-remedy strategies to maximise recovery prospects.