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The Hargrove Matter

Client: Hargrove Bistro Ltd · Sole director: Anna Hargrove · Lease: 10-year FRI commercial lease at 32 Castle Street · Landlord: Cavendish Properties Ltd · Issue: alleged misrepresentation about premises condition; significant disrepair; threatened forfeiture for withheld rent.

Legal Writing

Hargrove: The Letter to the Landlord

Facts
Question
Analysis
Verdict
Scenario

Mark Davenport has reviewed your research note and asked you to draft a letter to Cavendish Properties Ltd's solicitors. He wants the letter to: (a) reject the threat of forfeiture; (b) put Cavendish on notice of the misrepresentation claim; (c) demand action on the repairs; (d) propose without-prejudice negotiation. The letter must comply with the pre-action protocol expectations and preserve the client's position. Mark says: 'It needs to be firm but professional. No emotion. And nothing that looks like a concession.'

How should the letter be opened and headed?

Answer options for step 1