CPI Update - Issue 64 - January 2009

The January 2009 issue of the Commercial Property Information Update is attached below. It contains:

Case law commentary on:

• A worrying case on contracting-out of the 1954 Act - Newham LBC v Thomas-Van Staden;
• A landlord’s refusal of consent to assign - Royal Bank of Scotland plc v Victoria Street (No 3) Ltd;
• Restrictive covenants preventing a nuisance or annoyance - Dennis v Cameron;
• Parking easements - Virdi v Chana;
• Section 2 LP(MP)A 1989 (yet again) - McLaughlin v Duffill; and
• Restrictive covenants and section 84 LPA 1925 - Graham v Easington DC.

Legislative developments in relation to:
VAT – Rate change implications for leases
HIPs – the Home Information Pack (Amendment)(No 3) Regulations 2008
EPCs – the end of the transitional period
More Land Registry information on identification evidence
Green leases – a green lease guide
Sales by mortgagees – a CML policy statement
Land Registry – changes to proper offices.

Practical comment on:
The new SDLT "abnormal rent increase" calculator
A Law Society practice note on identification evidence

and a consideration of the dangers of hidden prescriptive easements, and the ability of landlords to collect rent from sub-tenants.

Published 31st December 2008.