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How to Evict a Commercial Tenant the Right Way

Different rules from residential lettings.

How to Evict a Commercial Tenant the Right Way Commercial Property & Office Space

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Commercial · Landlords

Evicting a commercial tenant

Forfeiturere-entry
CRARarrears
1954 Actprotection
Waiveravoid
In short: Commercial landlords have stronger tools than residential landlords, but must use them carefully. If the lease contains a forfeiture clause, you may be able to forfeit for breach, including rent arrears, by peaceable re-entry (changing the locks when the premises are empty) or through court; for other breaches a Section 146 notice is needed first. Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) lets enforcement agents take goods after seven days' notice. If the lease is protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, ending it at expiry needs a Section 25 notice and a statutory ground. Accepting rent after a breach can waive the right to forfeit.
ToolUse
Forfeiture (re-entry)Breach with forfeiture clause
Section 146 noticeNon-rent breaches before forfeiture
CRARRent arrears; 7 days' notice
Section 25 noticeEnding a 1954 Act tenancy

Landlord options

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the locks on a commercial tenant?

Possibly by peaceable re-entry, if the lease allows and premises are unoccupied; take advice.

What is CRAR?

A procedure to recover commercial rent arrears by taking goods.

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