First Principles of Business Law

2.1. Interpreting the terms of a contract

2.2. The ordinary and natural meaning of words

Read the facts and the question and then choose the best answer.

A, an architect, leases office space in B's building for three years. One clause in the lease says: 'At any time during the lease, B will, at his own cost, carry out any interior alterations that are reasonably necessary for the conduct of A's business.' Another clause gives either party the right to terminate the lease by giving six months notice.

After a year, A gives B notice that he is terminating the lease in six months time. A also asks B to install extra office partitions in the leased offices because he has now employed more staff.  B argues that he is only obliged to make alterations 'during the lease', and 'during' does not mean after notice to terminate the lease has been given. Is B right?