Extending Leases: What You Need To Know - By: Tim Bishop

Jane carefully locked her little cottage, and walked to Thornfield Hall, where she knocked gently on the fire-blackened door. It was flung open by Mr Rochester himself.

'So, Jane,' he said. 'You've come to see me at last. To what to I owe the honour?'

'Well, sir, as you know, I have now lived in my cottage in the grounds for two years, and I have come to tell you that I wish to extend the lease.'

'Stuff and nonsense, girl! Why should I grant that when you refuse to marry me?'

'With respect, sir, I have taken advice from an lawyer knowledgeable in the matters of extending leases, and have been told my rights. I will tell you that I am submitting my wish to get a leasehold extension, providing my name and address . . .'

'I know what your name is, and you, stubborn girl, will not let me change it!'

Jane continued as if he had not spoken. '. . . personal details such as my name and address, evidence to prove that I can get an extension, information about the lease itself i.e. when it was initially granted and the amount of ground rent that I regularly pay. It is all in this document, sir.' She handed him a letter.

'I shall refuse!' he cried. 'Then you will have to marry me!'

'Sir, you can only refuse to extend my lease if you wish to demolish or develop the property, and you would need an order from the court and to pay me compensation so that I could move away and find another home.'

Mr Rochester was shocked. 'Move away! I don't want you to do that. But why do you want to extend your lease? You know I will do nothing that could mean you having to find another home. I want you to live in my home, that is all. Why do you need to do this?'

'My lawyer tells me that after owning the lease for two years, I should extend it for ninety years. Otherwise my home will start to lose value, and should I wish to sell it, I would not receive a good price. It would also be more expensive to extend the lease at a later date. Hi is positively as fabulous lawyer, sir.'

She thought she heard Rochester mutter something about being in the wrong novel, and that it sounded more like Sense and Sensibility, but he said, 'Very well, Jane. I believe this might give me a further 90 years to try and convince you otherwise.'

Jane smiled gently, and returned to her cottage, where she lived happily ever after as a result of taking out a leasehold extension.

What do you mean this is not how the story ends? Who's writing this?

About the Author

Tim Bishop is senior partner at Bonallack & Bishop, a firm of experienced leasehold extension solicitors, specialist in advising on extending leases. Senior Partner Tim Bishop is responsible for all major strategic decisions, seeing himself as a businessman who owns a law firm. Tim has expanded the firm by 1000% in 12 years and has plans for its continued development.

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