Demise
The word 'demise' can refer to the death of a person or some other thing, such as a building or organisation, however, it can also refer to the transfer of an interest in real property, typically through a lease. When a property or a portion of it is "demised," it means that the rights to occupy and use the property are being granted to another party for a specified period under the terms of a lease agreement.
In lease agreements, the word demise is often used to describe the act of leasing property from a landlord (lessor) to a tenant (lessee). The lease will specify the terms under which the property is demised, including the duration of the lease, rent, and other conditions of occupancy.
The demised premises should be clearly defined in the lease agreement. This includes a detailed description of the area being leased, which could be an entire building, part of a building, land, or any other property asset. The lease agreement will outline the rights and obligations of both parties concerning the demised premises. This includes the tenant's right to exclusive possession and use of the property and the landlord's responsibilities for maintenance, repairs, and compliance with legal requirements.
The term carries significant legal implications. It establishes the tenant's legal right to occupy the property and the landlord's right to receive rent. It also defines the extent of the property being leased and any limitations on its use.
Demised premises might also refer to areas of a building or development site that are leased out to tenants. For instance, in a commercial building, different floors or units may be demised to various tenants, each with their own lease agreements.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Commonhold.
- Difference between assured shorthold tenancy and assured tenancy.
- Freehold.
- Ground rent.
- Landlord.
- Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Lease.
- Lease Negotiations - Tenants Checklist.
- Leasehold covenants.
- Leasehold enfranchisement.
- Leasing a property - what you need to know.
- Occupier.
- Peppercorn rent.
- Service charge.
- Shared ownership.
- Short term lets.
- Subletting.
- Tenant.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.

























