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Toyota (GB) Ltd v Legal and General Assurance (Pensions Management) Ltd

Language: English Series: Estates Gazette ; (1989) 42 EG 104-111(4)Publication details: 1989Subject(s): Summary: CA 21 June 1989. The property was a national distribution centre for spare parts for cars comprising 5 acres with warehouse and other buildings. In 1973 T were granted two underleases by J, the then lessors, the combined effect of which was a term of 50years. The leases were identical to avoid a higher rate of stamp duty , as a lease over 35 years was rated at 6% as opposed to 1%. Rent reviews were set at five yearly intervals, to be either the maximum yearly rent in the preceding year or open market value whichever is the higher. A problem arose at the third rent review in 1988 when one year remained on the first lease. T contended it should be valued as such, the landlord L claimed that the second lease, which had 35 years to run, should be taken into account. It was held in favour of J; L appealed. Appeal allowed. The only reason for having two leases was to avoid stamp duty; there had never been any intention of ending the tenancy.
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Law report London Journal article ABS41565 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 30945-1001

CA 21 June 1989. The property was a national distribution centre for spare parts for cars comprising 5 acres with warehouse and other buildings. In 1973 T were granted two underleases by J, the then lessors, the combined effect of which was a term of 50years. The leases were identical to avoid a higher rate of stamp duty , as a lease over 35 years was rated at 6% as opposed to 1%. Rent reviews were set at five yearly intervals, to be either the maximum yearly rent in the preceding year or open market value whichever is the higher. A problem arose at the third rent review in 1988 when one year remained on the first lease. T contended it should be valued as such, the landlord L claimed that the second lease, which had 35 years to run, should be taken into account. It was held in favour of J; L appealed. Appeal allowed. The only reason for having two leases was to avoid stamp duty; there had never been any intention of ending the tenancy.