Summary

A recent High Court judgement delivered by Ms. Justice Ní Faifeartaigh considered the question as to whether a lending bank had a contractual right to appoint a receiver over secured property without prior demand of monies. Ultimately, the Court found that it depends upon the relevant terms of the mortgage or charge in question.

Case Background

In 2007 two loan facilities were advanced by Permanent TSB ("PTSB") to the borrowers, one of which was secured by a mortgage over the property known as Diep Le Shaker Restaurant (the "2008 Mortgage"). The borrowers subsequently defaulted on their repayment obligations under the loan agreements and letters of demand were then issued to the borrowers in December 2010 (the "2010 Demand") and further demands in October 2011 (the "2011 Demand"). The 2010 Demand only stated the arrears under the loan agreements at that point in time, whereas the 2011 Demand included detail of the arrears and principal outstanding. Neither of the demand letters referred to any intended appointment of a receiver.

In February 2011, Mr. Keith Lowe was appointed receiver over the secured assets. In February 2015, Mr. Howe's appointment was terminated and Mr. Stephen Tennant was appointed as receiver of the secured assets. In June 2015, PTSB assigned all its rights and interest in the loans and underlying security (to include the 2008 Mortgage) to Havbell Limited (now Havbell DAC).

Thereafter, the borrowers disputed the validity of the appointment of each of Mr. Lowe and Mr. Tennant under the 2008 Mortgage on the basis that there had been no valid demand. In relying upon the contractual provisions contained within the 2008 Mortgage, PTSB contended that upon the occurrence of an event of default under the 2008 Mortgage (i.e. default in making repayments from time to time), the security became immediately enforceable which then triggered the bank's contractual right to appoint a receiver.

High Court Decision

In considering a number of questions raised by way of Special Case, Ms. Justice Ní Faifeartaigh reviewed a number of authorities and noted that in deciding whether or not a demand letter is required depends on the terms of the mortgage. In adopting a strict interpretation of the terms of the 2008 Mortgage, Ms. Justice Ní Faifeartaigh noted that "a failure to pay the security rendered the security immediately enforceable, without the need for a letter of demand". It was concluded that a contractual power to appoint a receiver had been triggered upon the event of default taking place, without any requirement for any demand letter.

On reviewing the question as to whether there was a valid demand upon which PTSB could rely, Ms. Justice Ní Faifeartaigh referred to authorities on what constitutes a valid demand and noted that "the essential features...are that there must be a clear, unequivocal, peremptory and unconditional request for payment", all of which were deemed satisfied by the Court in the case at hand.

Commentary

This judgement demonstrates once again how, in considering whether a receiver has been lawfully appointed, the Courts will adopt a strict interpretation of the express terms of the relevant mortgage or charge. It also worth noting that to avoid any argument that there was an express or implied obligation to make such a demand under the relevant mortgage or charge, the prudent approach would be to serve a formal demand for repayment of the entirety of the debt owing on the relevant borrower(s).

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