RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

The general position is that if a landlord of a building containing flats wants to sell his interest he must give his tenants the right of first refusal. It is a criminal offence not to do so without a reasonable excuse, and in addition the lessees have the right to compel the landlord’s purchaser to sell to them.

We advise on rights of first refusal; in particular landlords’ and lessees’ respective rights and obligations, the notices that must be served, timing and enforcement.