Cautionary tale for landlord and tenant disputes

Stratton and Another v Patel and Another [2016] EWHC 2031 (TCC) and [2016] EWHC 2032 (TCC), 3 August 2016

The dispute concerns premises at 35 Upper Street, Islington, which was becoming a vibrant and affluent area of inner north London. Mr Patel acquired the freehold of the property in 1995 and erected a new building, which was let as a pizza restaurant on 27 February 1996. A licence was granted by Mr Patel on the same day showing that not only did Mr Patel propose to carry out works, but the tenant was permitted to carry out fitting out works.