Murray Beith Murray LLP is a leading Scottish private client law firm.
For 175 years we have specialised in meeting the legal, financial and administrative needs of individuals and families, family trusts, charities and private companies.
Murray Beith Murray LLP is a leading Scottish private client law firm.
For 175 years we have specialised in meeting the legal, financial and administrative needs of individuals and families, family trusts, charities and private companies.
CVAs (Company Voluntary Arrangements) has risen to increased prominence recently, employed by a number of well known, high street retail brands, to prevent businesses from going into liquidation or administration.
The UK’s economic and social climate is undergoing a period of rapid change, with decreasing footfall in our high streets and a reduction in spending power. Landlords can no longer assume that a traditional, long term lease can guarantee rental income for the duration of the lease. The following is a rough guide to CVA’s in operation.
If a limited company becomes insolvent a CVA can be used to pay creditors (in this instance landlords) over a fixed period, or payment schedule, and potentially enable the limited company to continue trading.
Landlords must be mindful of the implications that the terms of a CVA proposed by a tenant can have on them. A CVA can grant a tenant the ability to alter its lease terms or restructure its rent obligations on properties, even without the consent of the landlord. More controversial tenant proposals may even involve removing a landlord’s right to forfeit a lease. Thus, it is imperative that a landlord is aware of their rights to challenge a CVA, even when it has been approved.
Most commercial leases afford the landlord irritancy rights. If the lease can be irritated before the CVA is effective, the landlord will avoid an obligation to accept reduced rent amounts. Once approved however, a landlord can only challenge under section 6 of the Insolvency Act 1986.
Indeed, a landlord can challenge a CVA within 28 days of its approval being reported, on two grounds: (i) unfair prejudice and (ii) material irregularity. Such a challenge was made by landlords against House of Fraser’s CVA proposal. Indeed, the landlords claimed ‘unfair prejudice’, leading to an out-of-court settlement.
Most CVAs are successfully passed – Toys ‘R’ Us gaining considerable backing by landlords in 2017, with creditors promised returns on the basis of any future success of the business. However, an example of a CVA agreement that conveys the weight of the landlord’s influence, is that between Arcadia Group and its creditors. Seven different CVAs were voted on, until finally Arcadia promised £9.5 million to reduce the rent cuts for landlords. By collectively voting against the CVA, the landlords were able to obtain more favourable terms.
It is essential that landlords remain aware of the marketability of their property, and be prepared to challenge the CVA where appropriate. Long term, it may be, that a trend towards flexible lease arrangements will develop, enabling an adjustment to the changing market conditions throughout the duration. Regardless, both landlords and tenants must consider the market conditions when entering a long-term lease.
If this blog has raised any questions regarding CVAs, or any other Commercial Property matter, that you would like to discuss with our Commercial Property Partner, Bill Meldrum, please call today on 0131 225 1200; alternatively, you can use our Contact Form or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
At Murray Beith Murray we are experts in Commercial Property matters and we have extensive experience in drafting commercial leases. We are a dedicated team of trusted advisors who stay up to date with the latest market developments and react to change. We take time to properly assess client concerns, and operate with the highest standards of integrity.
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