London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd [2021] EWHC 2591 (Ch)

There is good news for landlords who are owed significant sums in rent arrears and encouraging that in a High Court ruling, the court rejected the argument that it should be adjourned pending the implementation of the government’s proposed scheme.

In the case of London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd [2021] EWHC 2591 (Ch), the Judge granted summary judgment to the landlord in respect of rent arrears and dismissed the tenant’s application to adjourn the summary judgment application on the basis of the government’s announcement that it intends to legislate for a binding arbitration scheme relating to rent arrears.

This High Court ruling shows that, despite the ongoing moratorium on forfeiture action, landlords are still able to successfully pursue tenants for non-payment of monies due under a lease even if the tenant was unable to trade during the pandemic.