Commercial Lease Renewals: Practical Issues, Procedure and Strategy - Cornerstone Barristers

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 continues to present a range of practical and strategic challenges for landlords, tenants and their advisers. This seminar will provide a practical overview of the key issues that arise when dealing with business tenancies, from contracting out of the Act to contested lease renewals and negotiating new lease terms.

At this in-person seminar, our speakers Shomik Datta, Victoria Osler and Jack Barber, will cover:

• Excluding the protection of the 1954 Act – the correct contracting out procedure and common pitfalls.
• Lease renewals – key time limits, statutory procedures, tactical considerations and avoiding costly mistakes.
• An overview of the court process, including what to expect if renewal proceedings become contested.
• Practical guidance on negotiating the terms of a new business lease.
• An update on the Law Commission’s Business Tenancies: The Right to Renew project and what proposed reforms could mean for landlords and tenants. The second consultation paper, Modernising Security of Tenure, was published on 16 June 2026 and remains open for responses until 16 September 2026.

Whether you advise landlords or occupiers, this session will equip you with practical insights, highlight recent developments and provide guidance to help you navigate the complexities of the 1954 Act with confidence.

The seminar will be followed by a complimentary networking drinks reception where you can continue the conversation with our barristers and clerks.