Usually when a landlord leases a flat, he includes a provision that prohibits the tenant from using the property for any other purpose other than residential needs. If one or more of the flats are converted for commercial purposes, it becomes difficult for the landlord to let the other flats. The flat may lose its value on reversion.
The provision would also prevent commercial users of the flat from accepting the lease when the block is being developed. Illegal and immoral use of the property can also be avoided.
Thus, a provision preventing the use of property for non-residential uses is acceptable for both parties. But this provision is sometimes amended so as to include professionals such as doctors, lawyers or those who are unlikely to affect the value of other flats, negatively.
Photo courtesy: Elliott Brown
