• Business premises tribunals have original jurisdiction to determine civil disputes between landlords and tenants of commercial or business premises if the tenancy is “controlled”. A controlled tenancy is the tenancy of a shop, hotel or catering establishment which:
o Has not been reduced into writing or
o Has been reduced into writing but does not exceed 5 years and contains a method for termination otherwise than by breach
• Decisions of the tribunal may be appealed against in the High court.
• To determine whether a tenancy is controlled or not.
• To determine or vary the rent payable in respect of a controlled tenancy.
• To permit the levy of distress for rent.
• To apportion rent between tenants where a controlled tenancy is shared.
• To determine the amount payable by a tenant as service charge in respect of a controlled tenancy.
• Facilitate vacant possession of the premises to enable the landlord.
• To authorize the tenant to carry out repairs in case of default by the landlord and deduct the cost thereof from the rent payable.
• To vary or rescind any order made by the tribunal.