Residential lease advice that protects your rights and clarifies responsibilities.

Residential leases come in many forms, from short-term tenancy agreements to long leases in apartment buildings or estates. While leases provide valuable structure and certainty, they also bring legal obligations that, if misunderstood, can lead to costly consequences.

Our Expertise

At BCR, our team of experts advise landlords, tenants, buyers, sellers, and managing agents on all aspects of residential lease law in Jersey. Whether you are entering into a new lease, dealing with a dispute, or planning for sale or renewal, we provide clear, practical legal advice that ensures your rights are protected and your obligations are understood.

Our Approach

Whether you are a landlord, tenant, or property professional, we tailor our advice to your specific lease and objectives. We advise on all legal matters relating to residential leases, including:

• Drafting and reviewing new leases.
• Explaining lease terms to buyers and sellers.
• Lease assignments and variations.
• Enforcing or defending breach of covenant claims.
• Handling lease renewal or surrender.
• Advising on service charge structures and contributions
• Acting in disputes over repair, access, or use.

We can support you with the following:

Lease Extensions, Assignments, and Variations

We also support clients with lease changes, including:

• Extensions or renewals – agreeing longer terms with the landlord.
• Assignments – transferring the lease to a new tenant.
• Licences to assign or alter – securing landlord consent.
• Deeds of variation – correcting or amending lease terms.
• Licence for works – allowing alterations or improvements.

Each of these actions may require formal documentation, company approvals (in share transfer structures), or public registration. We ensure everything is done correctly and on time.

Service Charges and Communal Obligations

In many developments, leaseholders must contribute to shared costs such as:

• Building insurance.
• Lift maintenance.
• Roof repairs.
• Cleaning, lighting, and landscaping of communal areas.

We review and advise on:

• Service charge clauses – how costs are calculated and recovered.
• Sinking funds – for major repairs or capital works.
• Disputes over payment, fairness, or value for money.
• Transparency and disclosure obligations from managing agents.

We also assist in improving or enforcing service charge procedures — whether acting for landlords, tenants, or company directors.

Service Charges and Communal Obligations

In many developments, leaseholders must contribute to shared costs such as:

• Building insurance.
• Lift maintenance.
• Roof repairs.
• Cleaning, lighting, and landscaping of communal areas.

We review and advise on:

• Service charge clauses – how costs are calculated and recovered.
• Sinking funds – for major repairs or capital works.
• Disputes over payment, fairness, or value for money.
• Transparency and disclosure obligations from managing agents.

We also assist in improving or enforcing service charge procedures, whether acting for landlords, tenants, or company directors.

Lease Enforcement and Disputes

Disputes under residential leases are common and can be highly emotive. We advise on:

• Alleged breaches of lease terms (e.g. noise, pets, alterations).
• Arrears of rent or service charges.
• Access disputes or refusal to permit works.
• Use of property contrary to permitted purpose.
• Forfeiture (termination) of leases for serious breach.

We aim to resolve disputes quickly and proportionately, often through negotiation or mediation. Where needed, we represent clients in the Petty Debts Court or Royal Court, working closely with our Dispute Resolution team.

Working with Managing Agents and Resident Companies

For managed blocks and developments, we also advise:

• Resident-led companies on compliance, voting, and governance.
• Managing agents on legal documentation and procedures.
• Landlords and developers on structuring leases for new developments.
• Co-owners on resolving disputes and managing common areas.

Our experience includes new build apartments, historic flying freehold blocks, and mixed-tenure schemes where lease structures are critical to long-term value and harmony.

Our Values in Action

Excellence: In every lease, every clause, and every letter of advice.

‍Delivery: On time, accurate, and commercially sound.

‍Respect: For your rights as a tenant, landlord, or managing agent.

‍Elegance: In resolving issues calmly, clearly, and with care.

Why BCR Law

We provide residential lease advice that protects your rights and clarifies responsibilities, whether you're leasing, renewing, or resolving a dispute. Our expert team delivers clear, tailored guidance on all aspects of residential lease law in Jersey, helping you avoid costly misunderstandings.