Leasing Commercial Property
– Services for Tenants
Our commercial property solicitors represent the interests of tenants who are leasing a commercial property. We have extensive experience across all commercial lease matters, from negotiating the terms of a lease to exercising security of tenure rights.
For a free quote, call us on 0191 567 7244 and we’ll be happy to help you.
You can also email info@cooklaw.co.uk or complete our Free Online Enquiry and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Reviewing and negotiating commercial leases
Taking on a commercial lease is an exciting time for any business, whether this if your first commercial property or part of a portfolio. However, it is also fraught with risks, particularly for the tenant.
A commercial lease is a contract between you and the commercial landlord. These leases typically tie you in for a number of years, which may cause trouble if your needs change or your business does not do as well as anticipated.
A commercial lease may also place various responsibilities and restrictions on you as a tenant. For instance, you may have repair obligations, be liable for Stamp Duty, or have little flexibility when it comes to assigning or sub-letting the lease.
Because of the potential pitfalls, it is essential that you ask a solicitor to review the draft lease before signing. Our commercial property solicitors can read through the lease and request important documents in relation to things such as:
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Energy performance certificates
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Asbestos surveys
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Buildings insurance
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Health and safety
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Fire risks
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Service charge
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Tax liabilities
We can then advise you on the suitability of the lease, highlighting anything that could be problematic. Remember that commercial leases are typically drafted by the landlord’s solicitor, so may be skewed in the landlord’s favour. By instructing your own solicitor, you can make sure that your best interests are represented.
We deliver legal advice in plain English. Our solicitors will make sure that you understand the terms of the lease and the implications. If you want to negotiate on any of the terms, we can liaise with the landlord’s solicitor, taking a robust stance to safeguard your position.
Heads of Terms
Sometimes, a commercial landlord will prepare a Heads of Terms in advance of a commercial lease. This is a document setting out the main terms of a commercial transaction that has been agreed in principle.
We can review and negotiate on the Heads of Terms, if this is presented to you by a commercial landlord. It is important to take this step, as the Heads of Terms will form the basis of the final contract.
Ongoing support for commercial tenants
Once a commercial lease has been signed, a tenant may require ongoing legal support from our solicitors. We represent commercial tenants for the duration of their tenure and can help with matters such as:
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Lease assignments and sub-letting
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Lease renewals and terminations
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Stamp Duty
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Break rights under break clauses
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Rent reviews
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Licence to occupy
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Licence to alter
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Landlord and tenant disputes
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Rent arrears disputes
Commercial landlord and tenant solicitors
Our commercial property solicitors act on a fixed fee basis. This starts with a free initial consultation. Contact us to discuss your requirements. Afterwards, we provide a fixed fee quote with no hidden charges.
We deliver expert legal advice in plain English. Our solicitors work with clients across all types of commercial premises, including retail, offices, warehouses and sports centres.
Get a free quote
Get a free, no obligation quote from our commercial conveyancing solicitors. Call us on 0191 567 7244 and we’ll be happy to help you.
You can also email info@cooklaw.co.uk or complete our Free Online Enquiry and we will be in touch with you shortly.