Commercial Lease Forfeiture and Lock Changes Secure a London Property for the Landlord
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Team Members Involved
The Situation
The client, a large law firm throughout the UK have been a regular user of Strikes Property Services forfeiture provisions and had no hesitation in instructing us again.
A commercial landlord required assistance to regain possession of basement and ground-floor premises in London following the forfeiture of a commercial lease. Strikes Property Services Group was instructed to attend the property and carry out the forfeiture, with a professional locksmith appointed to assist with gaining entry and securing the premises.
The operation required careful coordination between the enforcement agent and locksmith, with the property needing to be inspected, documented and secured following the forfeiture. The team also needed to establish whether anyone remained inside the premises before proceeding.
Our Approach
Our enforcement agent attended the premises at 6:00am, accompanied by the appointed locksmith. Following a brief health and safety assessment, the team proceeded to the property.
On arrival, Voices could be heard coming from inside the premises. The enforcement agent knocked loudly on the front door and windows but received no response. The locksmith was therefore instructed to gain entry through the front door.
Once inside, our enforcement agent announced their presence and called out to establish whether anyone was present. A full inspection of the premises confirmed that there were no occupants. The sounds heard from inside were subsequently established to be a recording being played through speakers.
A photographic inventory of the entire premises was then completed, creating an evidential record of the property at the time of the forfeiture. Forfeiture notices, including a Torts Notice, were displayed by affixing them to the front windows and doors.
The locksmith then replaced the locks to both front doors. The team also confirmed that there was no means of access to the premises from the rear, ensuring the property could be properly secured following the forfeiture.
The replacement keys were placed into a sealed envelope and delivered as instructed. Photographs were taken to evidence the delivery of the keys.
Outcome
The commercial lease was successfully forfeited, and the premises secured for the landlord. The operation took approximately 50 minutes, from the team’s arrival at 6:00am to securing the property at around 6:50am.
The operation provided the landlord with secure control of the premises, supported by photographic evidence of the property, confirmation that no persons were present and a documented handover of the replacement keys.
The case was managed by Andrew McDermott (Authorised HCEO), supported by the Strikes Property Services Group team, ensuring the forfeiture was carried out professionally and the commercial premises were left secure.
