Landlord's consent for dealings with a lease and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1988
A practice note that examines the statutory duties imposed on landlords under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1988 (LTA 1988) when a tenant requests consent for alienation, such as a licence to assign or underlet. This practice note outlines the key obligations, including the duty to respond to applications within a reasonable time, to give consent except where it is reasonable not to do so, and to provide written reasons for any refusal. It explores the question of what constitutes unreasonably withholding consent, drawing on established case law and legal principles. The guidance also discusses the remedies available to a tenant for a landlord's breach of statutory duty, which can include a claim for damages.
Already a Practical Law customer? Sign in
Get access to this document with Practical Law
Why Practical Law?
Gain a built-in attorney network
Practical Law’s resources are written and maintained by over 650 dedicated, full-time attorney-editors globally. They’re highly qualified, having practiced at the world’s leading law firms, corporate law departments, and government agencies, so they understand the challenges you face. They dedicate themselves to creating resources to help you navigate the new legal realities, legislative changes, and practice areas impacting your clients or organisation.
See how to leverage the expertise of Practical Law’s attorney-editors to help you practice more efficiently.
Learn more about Practical Law
Expert guidance
650+ full-time, experienced attorney-editors keep you up to date globally
Total resources
118,000+ total resources across 17 practice areas ensure comprehensive coverage
Timely updates
150,000+ hours spent in 2025 maintaining and updating resources