Mesne Profits

Compensation payable by a person who occupies land without the owner's consent after the right to possession has been established. Mesne profits are calculated as the rental value of the property for the period of wrongful occupation, together with any damage caused to the property.

In practice

A landlord who has forfeited a lease or obtained a possession order may claim mesne profits for the period the former tenant remained in occupation after the lease ended. The claim can be pursued as a separate action or included in the possession proceedings. Mesne profits are distinct from rent: they are damages for trespass to land.