Charles Russell Speechlys Podcast Channel charlesrussellspeechlys

In this episode of Property Patter, Samuel Lear is joined by Julie Sharpe and Celine Jones in the Real Estate team to discuss the thorny issue of ‘reasonable endeavours’ to supplement their recent article - Top 10 Tips: Using Best, All and Reasonable Endeavours. Endeavours clauses are used in contracts when a party is obliged to try to fulfil an obligation rather than satisfy it absolutely.  Following a recent landmark case, we discuss the differing degrees of effort required depending on the wording used. What does it mean to use ‘best’, ‘all’ or ‘reasonable’ endeavours?

Members of our Real Estate Disputes Team discuss recent cases of interest to those dealing with residential property, including on service charge demands, statutory consultations and RTMs.  We also review some of the significant changes which the government has in mind for residential tenancies, as well as the recent introduction of the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022.

Cases covered include:

Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Limited & Anr v Williams and Ors
Kensquare Limited v Boakye
Aster Communities v Chapman
No. 1 West India Quay (Residential) Limited v East Tower Apartments Limited
Wynne v. Yates & Anr.
Firstport Property Services Ltd v Settlers Court RTM Company Limited

Emma Humphreys is joined again by Harman Bains from our Tax Team to look at the Chancellor's recent Spring Statement and the key points which those with property interests will want to know about - whether as property owners, employers or as private individuals who will be affected by some of the changes.

For further information on the Spring Budget, please head to: Spring Statement: Act now before it's too late

The Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act received Royal Assent on 24 March 2022.  This Act introduces a new arbitration process to resolve certain outstanding commercial rent arrears related to the pandemic. But how will the process work and how can landlords and tenants prepare for it?  Natalie Deuchar, Hope Wilson and Emma Humphreys explore the new scheme.

Please note: This podcast was recorded shortly before the Act received Royal Assent.  No significant details were changed, but there is now a list of approved arbitrators available here.

Further information can be found at:

Insight: New Arbitration Scheme for Commercial Arrears; Landlords and tenants are you ready? | Charles Russell Speechlys
The government’s Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill and revised Code of Practice | Charles Russell Speechlys
New law to resolve remaining Covid-19 commercial rent debts now in place

Many landlords have struggled to keep up with the pace of rule changes relating to Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), and in particular the paperwork which must be provided to tenants when the tenancy is granted.


Emma Preece is joined by Hannah Turner and Laura Bushaway of our Real Estate Disputes Team to discuss the paperwork required and the implications of non-compliance, especially when it comes to regaining possession of the property in the future.

A lease can be disclaimed in certain insolvency situations, but how does this route work and what is its effect on other parties such as subtenants and guarantors? Emma Humphreys is joined by Megan Davies and Joseph Green of our Real Estate Disputes team to discuss these issues and how landlords can push for disclaimer in order to be able to regain control of premises.