Relinquishment And Assignment Of Tenancy - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition relinquishment-and-assignment-of-tenancy

Definition :

Relinquishment and assignment of tenancy, the distinction between an assignment on the one hand and relinquishment or surrender on the other is too plain to be ignored. In the case of an assignment, the assignor continues to be liable to be landlord for the performance of his obligation under the tenancy and this liability is contractual while the assignee becomes liable by reason of privity of estate. The consent of the landlord to an assign-ment is not necessary, in the absence of a contract or local usage to the contrary. But in the case of relinquishment, it cannot be a unilateral transac-tion; it can only be in favour of the lessor by mutual agreement between them. The relinquishment of possession must be to the lessor or one who holds his interest. In fact, a surrender or relinquishment terminates the lessee's rights and lets in the lessor, W. H. King v. Republic of India, AIR 1952 SC 156 (158): 1952 SCR 418. [Transfer of Property Act, 1882, s. 108(j)]