Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Practice Exa\

Under section 25 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which deals with the opposition of lease renewal, persistent delay in rent payment can serve as a legitimate ground for a landlord to oppose the renewal of a lease. This is particularly relevant because consistent issues with rent payments demonstrate a potential breach of the lease agreement and might suggest a lack of reliability from the tenant's side.

The law recognizes the importance of timely rent payment as a fundamental obligation in the landlord-tenant relationship. If a tenant has a history of failing to pay rent on time or is persistently late, this could indicate financial instability or a lack of commitment to the lease terms, giving the landlord a reasonable basis to refuse the continuation of the tenancy.

In contrast, while alterations, change in ownership, or upgrading amenities might affect a lease or a tenant's experience, they are not typically considered grounds for opposing a renewal under the specific provisions of section 25. For example, alterations to the property might require permission from the landlord, but without specific implications relating to lease renewal, they do not provide a strong basis for opposition under this section. Similarly, changes in ownership are generally not grounds for opposition either, since leases are typically binding against successors unless explicitly stated otherwise. Upgrading