Unreasonable Consent Refusals for Commercial Tenants
Advice for commercial tenants where a landlord delays, conditions, or refuses consent to assignment or subletting without proper justification. Landlords are not free to block transactions arbitrarily. Early advice establishes whether consent is being unreasonably withheld, challenges improper conditions, and applies pressure to move the deal forward without unnecessary delay or commercial damage.
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What we can do when consent to assign or sublet is unreasonably refused
We act for commercial tenants facing delays, conditions, or refusals from landlords, ensuring consent is not withheld unreasonably and transactions are not blocked without justification.
- Assessing whether refusal or delay is lawful
- Challenging unreasonable conditions or demands
- Forcing timely and proper consent decisions
- Protecting the transaction from collapse or delay
Consent disputes are often about control. Landlords may delay or impose pressure to extract concessions or stall a deal.
We focus on forcing a proper response, removing obstruction, and keeping your transaction on track.
View our Commercial Tenant services.
How we approach unreasonable consent refusals
When consent to assign or sublet is delayed or refused, the priority is to assess whether the landlord is acting reasonably, challenge improper positions, and keep the transaction moving.
Understanding your position
We review the lease, the consent provisions, and the landlord’s response to establish whether their position is justified.
Assessing the refusal or delay
We analyse the reasons given, any conditions imposed, and whether consent is being unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Taking the right next step
We challenge the position, apply pressure where needed, and ensure the landlord cannot obstruct the transaction without consequence.
Key issues with unreasonable consent refusals
These disputes turn on whether a landlord is acting reasonably. The risk is delay, obstruction, or improper conditions that can derail a transaction.
Reasonableness of refusal
Landlords cannot refuse consent arbitrarily. The issue is whether their reasons are objectively justified under the lease and the law.
Delay in giving consent
Consent must be dealt with within a reasonable time. Delay is often used tactically and needs to be challenged early.
Unreasonable conditions
Landlords may impose conditions that go beyond what is permitted. These can often be resisted or negotiated down.
Impact on the transaction
Delays or refusals can cause deals to collapse. Maintaining momentum is critical in assignments and subletting.
Whatever your situation, our solicitors can provide clear, confidential guidance tailored to you.
Whatever your situation, our solicitors can provide clear, confidential guidance tailored to you.
Unreasonable Consent Refusals FAQs
Common questions from commercial tenants facing delay, conditions, or refusal of consent to assign or sublet.
Can a landlord refuse consent to assign or sublet?
Only if the refusal is reasonable. Landlords are not free to refuse consent arbitrarily. The reasons must be justified based on the lease and the circumstances.
What counts as an unreasonable refusal?
Refusals based on irrelevant factors, excessive conditions, or attempts to extract commercial advantage can be challenged as unreasonable.
Can a landlord delay giving consent?
Not indefinitely. Consent must be dealt with within a reasonable time. Delay can itself be treated as a breach.
What if the landlord imposes difficult conditions?
Conditions must also be reasonable. If they go beyond what the lease allows, they can often be resisted or negotiated.
What happens if consent is wrongly refused?
You may be able to challenge the refusal and pursue action. The key is establishing that the landlord’s position is not justified.
Clear advice and practical steps on unreasonable consent refusals
If your landlord is delaying or refusing consent to assign or sublet, the key is whether that position is justified. We review the lease, assess the refusal or conditions imposed, and set a clear strategy to challenge delay, remove barriers, and keep your transaction moving.
Initial review
A solicitor reviews the lease, the proposed transaction, and the landlord’s response or conditions.
Clear position
We confirm whether consent is being unreasonably withheld or delayed and where the landlord is overreaching.
Practical next steps
We set out how to challenge the refusal, deal with conditions, and move the assignment or subletting forward.
Ongoing support
If you instruct us, a solicitor manages the process and ensures the landlord cannot delay or block the deal without justification.
There is no obligation. Early advice helps you avoid unnecessary delay and protects your ability to transact.
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