---
title: "Break clause — Class A Atlas glossary"
description: "A contractual right to terminate the lease before its expiry, on stated conditions."
canonical: https://classa.info/glossary/break-clause
pageType: glossary
lastUpdated: 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
license: "CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info)."
---

> A contractual right to terminate the lease before its expiry, on stated conditions.

## TL;DR

- A contractual right to terminate the lease before its expiry, on stated conditions.
- Standard UK structure: a 10-year FRI lease with a tenant break at year 5.

# Break clause

*Lease structure · UK, EU*

## Short definition

A contractual right to terminate the lease before its expiry, on stated conditions.

## Full definition

Standard UK structure: a 10-year FRI lease with a tenant break at year 5. Conditions typically include vacant possession, no material breach, all rent paid, and 6 months' written notice in a specified form. Vacant possession is the most-litigated condition. Engage solicitors on the break notice 12 months before exercise.

## Why this matters for Class A leasing

Break clause is part of the lease structure vocabulary that institutional [Class A](/glossary/class-a) occupiers, landlords, and advisers use across UK, EU markets. Understanding it correctly affects how you read lease documents, model occupancy economics, and benchmark deal terms across cities. Class A Atlas tracks regional variation alongside the global standard so [cross-border](/topics/cross-border-expansion) occupiers can translate quickly.

## See also

- [FRI (Full Repairing and Insuring)](/glossary/fri-lease)

## Related guides

- [Decoding a London lease: FRI, dilapidations, break clauses](/guides/uk-lease-glossary-fri-explained)

---

Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/glossary/break-clause), updated 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z.