Smith & Dennis v Jafton Properties
This case has far-reaching implications for commercial tenants of former residential buildings seeking to enfranchise their leasehold interests. The decision in the case of Smith & Dennis v Jafton Properties Limited follows that of the Supreme Court in Day v Hosebay.
That case held that a building used solely for commercial purposes was not a "dwelling" and the tenant, therefore, had no rights of enfranchisement.
In Smith & Dennis v Jafton Properties Limited the Court considered the definition of a "flat" under the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and ruled that even if premises are considered to be a flat, the use to which a flat is put must be considered as well in determining whether or not enfranchisement rights exist. In this case the Judge ruled that as the flats were solely used for commercial purposes, the tenants did not have the right to buy the freehold.
The judgement means that, in addition to considering whether premises are a "flat" under the act, the actual current use and nature of occupation are also relevant in considering enfranchisement rights.
This article was created by by:--Martinc 12:40, 2 July 2013 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.