This clause determines what happens to your rent if the building is damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, or other insured events—specifically, whether you must keep paying rent while repairs are made. This matters because without clear terms, you could be paying full rent for a property you cannot use, which is unfair. English law assumes rent continues unless the lease explicitly says otherwise, so this clause protects you by stating when rent abates (stops or reduces).
Negotiate for a clause that suspends or reduces your rent if the building becomes unusable through no fault of yours—for example, "rent abates proportionally if more than 50% of the property is damaged." If the landlord insists you keep paying, push back by asking them to guarantee the building will be repaired within a specific timeframe (e.g., 6 months), or include a termination right if repairs take too long. Get clarity on whether you pay rent during the repair period and under what conditions. ---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this clause mean in simple terms?
This clause determines what happens to your rent if the building is damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, or other insured events—specifically, whether you must keep paying rent while repairs are made.
Why should I care about this clause?
This matters because without clear terms, you could be paying full rent for a property you cannot use, which is unfair.
What are my options?
English law assumes rent continues unless the lease explicitly says otherwise, so this clause protects you by stating when rent abates (stops or reduces).