L10 Web Stats Reporter 3.15
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Things you need to note before signing a tenancy agreement or a lease
After signing a tenancy agreement (or a lease), how should the parties handle the document?
Failure to pay rent
Regulations on using or occupying a leased property
Sub-letting
Property with mortgage
Repairing / maintenance obligations
To terminate a tenancy before expiration
Landlord sells the property with existing tenancy
Renewal matters
Changes on tenancy legislations on 9th July, 2004
Case illustration
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X. Renewal matters

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Supposing that an existing tenancy is about to expire, the landlord and the tenant can commence their negotiation on whether to renew the tenancy.

In the past, a landlord was in most cases bound to renew a tenancy for a domestic property with an existing tenant. However, the law on this issue underwent a substantial change on 9 July 2004. In essence, the landlord is not bound to renew a tenancy with the same tenant unless there is a written agreement to the contrary. This applies to both domestic and non-domestic properties. For more details regarding the changes in tenancy legislation on 9 July 2004, please refer to Part (XI) "Changes in tenancy legislation on 9 July 2004"

However, if a tenancy document (whenever created and whether domestic or non-domestic) contains an "option to renew" clause, then the tenant will be entitled to a right to renew the tenancy.

A tenancy document may provide an option for the tenant to renew an existing tenancy. The option is an offer by the landlord to grant a further tenancy upon expiry of the existing tenancy. For the option to come into effect, there must be acceptance on the part of the tenant. The clause in the contract usually requires the tenant to give a written notice to the landlord not later than a date specified in the contract. The clause may also contain reference to the terms of the new tenancy document, such as on the same terms as the existing tenancy.

Subject to the agreement between the parties, an "option to renew" clause may look like this (for reference only):

It is hereby agreed that if the Tenant wishes to take a further term of two years from the expiration of the Term and at least six months prior to such expiration gives the Landlord written notice to that effect and has paid the rent and all monies hereby reserved and reasonably performed and observed the terms and conditions on its part herein contained up to the expiration of the Term, then the Landlord will let the Property to the Tenant for a further term of two years from such expiration at a new monthly rent and subject to the same terms and conditions as are herein contained.

  1. What is the difference between an Option to Renew and a Break Clause?


  2. A landlord and a tenant intend to renew an existing tenancy. Except the rent, all of the terms are agreed upon. Is there any way that the parties can resolve the problem amicably?