Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Vacant Possession definition

What does Vacant Possession mean? Vacant possession describes the practical state expected on completion/settlement or a lease break date: the property is yielded up so the incoming party can take immediate, exclusive occupation and control. Across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, it is a descriptive expression (not statutory), whose content is shaped by case law and standard conveyancing and leasing practice. By the relevant date the premises must: - be empty of all occupiers, whether authorised or not (tenants, sub-tenants, licensees or squatters); - be free from continuing third-party rights of occupation; and - be cleared of chattels, goods and rubbish so that nothing...

Vacant possession strategy for redevelopment: Excel schedule precedent and drafting notes (England and Wales) covering key notices, proceedings and compensation under LTA 1954, HA 1988 and the Electronic Communications Code

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Precedents

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The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 was granted Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. For advice on the Act’s effect on residential tenancies in England, refer to Practice Note: Renters' Rights Act 2025—key provisions. Use this schedule to gather information on occupiers, occupation status, critical dates, notices to be issued, and principal points when planning a vacant possession strategy for a redevelopment. This Precedent is supplied in Excel format and can also be accessed via the link on this page. Note that the schedule has been created in Excel and therefore it cannot be downloaded into Word.

Vacant Possession strategy—drafting notes

If the development contains more than one freehold or superior leasehold interest, you may insert extra headings to divide the schedule into further sections where appropriate.
Colour code: Sample colour coding has been applied to the first few rows as an example.
Landlord: The named landlord should cover both:
- the direct landlord
- the ‘competent landlord’ (if not the same) under section 44 and Schedule 6 to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (LTA 1954)...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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