Make Sure You Get It In Writing

The claim in a recent case arose in relation to whether the occupants of commercial premises had a right to a tenancy. The claimants argued that they were the lawful tenant of the premises pursuant either to a 10-year oral lease or a periodic tenancy. In either scenario, it was contended that the tenancy was a business tenancy, subject to and protected by security of tenure.

The court struck out the claim to a 10-year oral lease. It reasoned that leases of land for more than three years are...