Background:
Masood Qayumi, operating King’s Barber Shop, leased commercial property from 0881789 B.C. Ltd. The lease, dated December 11, 2016, included a five-year term with a renewal option. Disputes arose when Qayumi sought to renew the lease, but the landlord refused, claiming breaches of contract.

Legal Issues:

• Whether Qayumi validly exercised his renewal option.

• Whether the landlord had the right to refuse the renewal based on alleged breaches.

• Whether implied terms should be read into the lease.

Court’s Findings:

• The lease contained no preconditions for renewal, and the landlord had no discretion to refuse renewal.

• The landlord’s evidence of lease breaches, including late rent payments, improper business conduct, and unauthorized renovations, was unreliable.

• Even if breaches could invalidate renewal, the landlord failed to establish them.

• The lease was validly renewed for five years, from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2027.

Decision & Costs:

• The landlord’s petition was dismissed.

• The tenant’s renewal was upheld, and an injunction was deemed unnecessary.

• Qayumi was awarded full costs for both actions, with a single set of costs after August 9, 2024. Financial terms were not specified.