Commercial lease advice
A business lease can commit you to more than the rent. Repairs, service charges, alterations and the right to leave all need careful attention. We advise commercial landlords and tenants on lease terms so they can understand the agreement before making a commitment.
- Terms explained clearly
- Advice before signing
- Future plans considered
- Support for either side
A lease that works for your plans
Commercial premises need to suit the business that will use them. The lease should be considered alongside those plans, rather than treated as paperwork to complete after the deal is agreed. We ask how the space will be used, how long you expect to stay and what changes you may need to make.
We can discuss new leases, lease renewals and proposed changes to an existing arrangement. If you have received a draft or agreed heads of terms, send us the details before signing. Heads of terms summarise the main points of the proposed deal, but the lease contains the obligations that need closer review.
What we look at
- The length of the lease and any right to end it early
- Rent, rent reviews, service charges and insurance payments
- Who is responsible for repairs and the condition of the premises
- Permitted use and restrictions on alterationsPermitted use and restrictions on alterations
- Whether the lease can be transferred or the premises sublet
- Deposits, guarantees and obligations when the lease ends
These terms can affect both the day to day use of the property and the cost of leaving it. For example, a repairing obligation may be wider than expected. A surveyor may need to advise on the building's condition while we explain the legal effect of the wording.
Advice for tenants
Before taking a lease, consider the total commitment and the flexibility you may need. A lower starting rent does not necessarily mean a lower overall cost. Repairs, shared building costs and payments due at the end of the term can be significant.
We explain the provisions that affect your intended use and identify points to raise with the landlord's lawyer. If you want to fit out the premises, install equipment or share space, tell us early. You may need written consent or additional documents.
Advice for landlords
A clear lease helps record the arrangement you intend to offer. We discuss the property, the proposed tenant and the terms you want to agree, then explain the legal documents needed.
Tell us about any existing occupation, shared facilities or restrictions affecting the building. If the proposal involves a rent deposit or a personal guarantee, those arrangements need to be considered expressly rather than assumed. We can also review a tenant's requested changes and explain their effect.
Renewals and leaving a lease
The end date written in a lease is not always the whole story. Some business tenants have rights relating to renewal, while other leases exclude those rights through a specific process. The position needs to be checked against the documents and the law.
A right to end a lease early is often called a break clause. It may depend on a notice being served correctly and conditions being met. If you are considering leaving or renewing, get advice before an important date passes.
Your questions answered
Do I need advice if the landlord calls it a standard lease?
There is no reason to assume a document is suitable simply because it is described as standard. The effect depends on its wording and your plans. We can explain the obligations you would accept and identify points that need clarification before you decide whether to sign.
Can I end the lease if my business closes?
Closing a business does not automatically end its lease obligations. Your options depend on the lease and any agreement you can reach with the landlord. There may be provisions about an early exit, transferring the lease or subletting. Ask for advice before making arrangements that depend on being released.
Who decides the market rent?
A surveyor or other suitably qualified property adviser can advise on rental value and the commercial terms. Our role is to explain and negotiate the legal wording within the agreed instructions. Where valuation advice is needed, the legal and surveying work should be considered together.
What should I send with my enquiry?
Tell us whether you are the landlord or tenant, the property address and what you want to achieve. Mention any signing deadline, renewal date or notice already served. We will explain how to provide the draft lease, existing lease or heads of terms for review.
Client feedback
What our clients say
Read about the experiences of people who have worked with our team.
Debra
Blackburn
Michael
Preston
Blackburn & Blackpool
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