Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

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Key definition

Forfeiture definition

What does Forfeiture mean? Forfeiture describes the loss of a right, estate or property because of breach, wrongdoing or a statutory power, so the holder’s title or right to possession ends without compensation. It is a descriptive term used across several areas of practice, with detailed rules set by legislation and case law. In landlord and tenant law, forfeiture of a lease (England & Wales and Northern Ireland) allows a landlord to end the tenancy for breach where a forfeiture clause exists. Except for rent arrears, a section 146 notice is generally required and the landlord must re-enter peaceably or obtain a court order....

Forfeiture: breach of contract damages for future rent

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Q&As

Our Q&A centres on residential leases. In the vast majority of leases for flats, there is a term permitting the landlord to re-enter and recover possession where a covenant has been breached; such provisions are the norm, particularly in the context of long leases (those exceeding 21 years). However, the indication in the question that the tenant is content for the lease to be forfeited suggests the situation concerns a short lease, namely an assured shorthold tenancy (AST). It would be highly unusual for a long-lease holder who has paid a premium comparable to purchasing the freehold to be willing to forfeit that interest. Accordingly, this response proceeds on the footing that the tenant is an AST holder...

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Elizabeth England

Employed as a housing case worker in 2015 at award winning legal aid practice Turpin & Miller Solicitors in Oxford, trained and later became head of the housing team. After a series of high-profile cases, she moved to north-west specialist housing firm Pearson & Johnson Solicitors advising and representing local authorities and registered social landlords. Whilst there she obtained Higher Rights and conducted advocacy on behalf of the firm in the range of housing law issues. In 2014 was invited to join London chambers 42 Bedford Row to work with a specialist housing law team. Now represents a range of clients from inner-London borough councils to private clients in the full spectrum of housing law. Elizabeth provides regular training to the London Borough Legal Association. Recent cases include Obtaining and enforcing possession orders for...

Web page updated on 27/05/2026

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