Break Notice

Break Notice: Create a Verified Notice to Exercise a Break Clause

A verified break notice is a formal notice that ends a lease early, using a break clause in the lease. It identifies the lease, the parties and the property, refers to the break clause, states the break date and is served correctly on the other party. Robot Lawyer drafts the notice from your answers, for the law of the country or state you choose. On the Verified plan, a legal professional checks it before you serve it.

CONTENTS

What Is a Break Notice?

A break clause lets the landlord, the tenant or both end a lease before its expiry date, if set conditions are met. Courts apply break clauses strictly: the notice must be given by the right person, to the right person, at the right time and in the right form. A small mistake can mean the lease continues.

When Do You Need One?

• A tenant leaving early
  The business no longer needs the premises.
• A landlord taking the property back
  To redevelop, sell or reoccupy, where the lease allows.
• Renegotiating
  Using the break date to agree new terms.

What's Included in Your Notice?

• The parties
  The landlord and tenant exactly as named in the lease, at the right addresses.
• The lease and property
  The date of the lease and the address of the premises.
• The break clause
  The clause being exercised and its conditions.
• The break date
  The date the lease will end.
• Signature
  Signed by the party serving the notice or someone authorised.

Break Clauses in Business Leases (UK Only)

In England and Wales, a tenant's break is often conditional, for example on paying all rent due and giving vacant possession, and every condition must be met exactly. If a landlord breaks a business lease protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, it must also serve a Section 25 Notice to end the tenant's statutory protection. Check the notice period and service rules in your lease.

How It Works on Robot Lawyer

1. Answer the questions
   Tell us about the lease, the parties, the break clause and the break date.
2. Generate your notice
   We draft a break notice that follows your lease.
3. Get it verified
   On the Verified plan, a qualified legal professional checks the notice within 24 hours and makes amendments where needed. See how our documents are verified.
4. Serve it
   Serve it in time, by the method the lease requires, and keep proof.

Break Notice FAQs

How much notice must I give?

Exactly what the break clause says, often six months. Count carefully and serve in good time.

Can I withdraw a break notice?

Not usually. Once validly served, a break notice generally can't be withdrawn without the other party's agreement.

What if I miss the break date?

The lease usually continues until the next break date, if there is one, or until it expires.

Create a Verified Break Notice

End your lease early, correctly. Related documents: Lease Agreement, Commercial Lease Termination Agreement, Section 25 Notice and Section 26 Notice.