Jarvis V Harris Notices

Thoughtfully crafted to elevate what matters most.

In most modern leases, there is a clause permitting the landlord to enter the property, undertake repairs, and recover the cost from the tenant as a debt. This is referred to as a Jarvis V Harris Notice, following the court case that established that the clause was effective.

Its advantage is that it does not require the threat of forfeiture, and hence the tenant cannot pass the disrepair to the Landlord after termination of the lease.  

Its disadvantage is that it requires the landlord to pay for and undertake the repairs, then recover the costs as debt from the tenant. 

There are some restrictions on undertaking the works, such as an interim Schedule of dilapidation; the works must be undertaken to prevent further decay and/or loss of value of the property.

Again, we recommend issuing 2 copies of the schedule. One without the recommended repairs and the other with.