Negotiations for lease – occupation pending settled agreement – breakdown of negotiations – the legal consequences – claims for rent

Eleftheriou and others v Costi and another [2013] EWHC 2168 (Ch) (HHJ Simon Barker QC sitting as a judge of the Chancery Division) (18 July 2013)

This case concerns informal negotiations for the grant of a lease and the consequences flowing from the breakdown of those negotiations. The claimants brought a claim for rent or damages for use and occupation of business premises and other sums allegedly due. The defendants denied the claims and counterclaimed for repayment of sums paid to the claimants.