Why Is It Important To Register Or Note Your Lease?

What is a registrable lease?

Residential and commercial leases with a term of seven years or more are registrable leases and can be registered with the Land Registry. B P Collins' property team advises that by registering the lease this makes it a valid legal lease, otherwise it will only take effect as an equitable lease which is considered much weaker in the eyes of the law and can have implications for both tenants and landlords. By registering the lease, the details will be noted on the title to the freehold property and a separate leasehold title will be created.

Implications for tenants

It is important for tenants to register their leases if they can because otherwise their right to occupy the property for the term of the lease will not be protected. This is an implication of the lease taking effect as an equitable lease and will lead to further implications as listed below.