At Pickering & Butters, we understand that taking a commercial tenant’s lease out as a first-time business owner can be a daunting prospect, with complex legalities.
Our team of commercial tenant solicitors are there to support small business and entrepreneurs with their first significant step into the business world. We understand the complications that come with a commercial leases and the potential challenges you may be faced with.
Specialised knowledge & experience makes all the difference
As a business owner, your commercial lease agreement is often one of the most important business documents, and it’s crucial to have a well-drafted document that states your rights as a commercial tenant.
Our commercial tenant solicitors can advise you on all aspects and issues surrounding the following:
- Commercial lease agreements
- Short term tenancy agreements
- Commercial lease extensions
- Commercial lease disputes
- Break clauses
Get expert help from our commercial tenant law solicitors
For tailored legal advice on any commercial lease matter, please get in
touch with our Staffordshire solicitors in Stafford and Rugeley.
Our commercial tenant law services
Commercial lease agreements
If it’s the first time you are taking out a commercial lease, this could be a significant step for your business and its growth. However, commercial lease agreements can be lengthy and often complex, with different clauses and provisions to be aware of.
Taking a commercial lease out is a big step, and it’s important to have the support of a solicitor to guarantee it’s correctly done so you understand what it sets out and that your requirements are heard and upheld. Our team understand the importance and will fully support you through the commercial lease agreement process.
Our commercial lease lawyers can provide expertise in the following:
- Drafting a commercial lease
- Reviewing and negotiating a commercial lease
- Advising on the commercial lease terms
- Arranging rent deposit
Short term tenancy agreements
It’s not always necessary to have a long term tenancy, especially where you believe there is the potential for the business to considerably grow in a short time period. For this reason, a short term tenancy may be more suitable.
It’s important to have the aid of a solicitor so that you are completely aware of what you are entering into and you fully understand your rights. Our solicitors can assist in finding an agreement that suits your terms, negotiating the terms if necessary and explaining the agreement to you in clear, plain English, so you are fully aware of everything involved.
Commercial lease extensions
When it comes to renewing or extending your lease, there are multiple types of procedures that can be followed, such as the lease being transferred over to a new one, where the existing terms may change.
To understand the procedure and ensure it protects your interests, it is crucial to have a specialist solicitor assist you, who will help the process to be as quick and as smooth as possible.
Our solicitors have expertise in advising on:
- Section 25 Notices
- Section 26 Requests
- Negotiating new lease terms
Commercial lease disputes
It’s not uncommon for disputes to occur in business, particularly in concern to your commercial lease. Where this occurs, it can be extremely damaging, especially for first-time business owners. Matters can become time-consuming and costly, often impacting business operations and potentially being catastrophic for a small business.
Our solicitors have assisted many commercial tenants with disputes. We will advise on the most cost-effective options available. Where court proceedings are necessary to resolve the dispute, our commercial lease disputes lawyers have a strong track record for success and will tirelessly fight your corner to achieve the best possible outcome whilst ensuring you can still operate and that your reputation remains intact.
Our solicitors can provide insight and assistance in the following commercial lease dispute matters:
- Rent arrears
- Dilapidations
- Breach of covenants
- Lease forfeiture
Break clauses
Break clauses are important to have in a commercial lease in case anything happens to the business. A break clause is a provision written into the lease that states that the tenant or landlord can end the lease part way through the term.
When the time comes to end your commercial lease, you want to be certain that you do it in a way that complies with the terms set in your lease. Our solicitors have expertise in this area and will fully support you through this process, reading through your lease agreement and ensuring the conditions are met correctly, to prevent any unnecessary disputes from occurring. We can also assist in negotiating a suitable break clause.
Commercial tenants – key things to know
What is a commercial tenant?
A commercial tenant is where a business owner, most usually a small business, such as a sole trader or a partnership, leases a property from a commercial landlord for the sole use of using the property to house a business.
What rights does a commercial tenant have?
Commercial tenants do have rights when it comes to a commercial lease, but most usually, it depends on the terms that were set out in the lease. Sometimes it is possible that a commercial tenant is protected by the Landlord and Tenancy Act 1954.
If you are a first-time commercial tenant and want to be aware of your rights, it’s important to seek advice and guidance from a solicitor who will be able to provide the correct support that you need.
Who is responsible for commercial building insurance, landlord or tenant?
Where you are a new business owner, or it is the first time you are taking out a commercial lease, you might have many questions over who is responsible for certain aspects of the building, including building insurance.
We can confirm that when it comes to commercial building insurance, it is the responsibility of the landlord to purchase. The premium they pay could potentially be added to the amount of rent that you pay, but this must be set out in the terms of your lease.
Questions to ask when renting a business premises
Looking for your first commercial property to lease for your business can be scary, leaving you confused about what exactly it is that you need to be observing when viewing or the questions that you should be asking. Some of the most important questions you should ask prior to taking out a commercial lease include:
- Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?
- Can the lease be cancelled if circumstances unexpectedly change?
- What can and can’t the property be used for?
- Can there be a break clause in the lease agreement?
- Is subletting the property possible?
While verbally receiving an answer is beneficial, ensure the answers to these questions are set out in your lease agreement.
Why choose Pickering & Butters for commercial tenant law?
Dedicated expertise in commercial tenant law
We are proud to be Lexcel accredited by the Law Society, which has recognised our excellent client care and general practice management.
Our commercial lease team is full of specialists, with each member of our team working incredibly hard to assist our clients in the most cost-effective and appropriate method possible.
Strong commercial focus
Having legal advice every step of the way in business is important for its success. Without the right legal advice, businesses may face considerable legal complexities that take time and money away that could instead be used to invest into the business’s growth.
Our commercial lease team have a firm focus on driving your business towards success and preventing unnecessary contentious disputes. Our team will always take the time to listen to your every need and tailor our advice to achieve this.
Personal service every step of the way
You and your business matter to us. We are dedicated to building strong, long-lasting legal relationships with our clients. Offering a personal service is a top priority for us, and you will see this throughout your case.
We provide each case with a devoted team, who will be there through each step of the process providing their expert advice and guidance. We do this to provide you with trust and reassurance that we will always try our best to deliver the results you expect.
Our commercial tenants fees
We recognise that price should reflect the quality of work. Our commercial tenant solicitors are committed to providing outstanding legal advice and expertise that completely echoes this.
Where matters can be considered simpler, such as preparing a straightforward commercial tenancy lease, we are able to offer our services on a fixed fee basis. This type of payment provides complete certainty over the expected costs from the outset.
Where we might consider matters more challenging and complex, they may require a higher level of expertise and ongoing support. For this reason, we may charge an hourly rate.
Before proceeding with your case, we will always discuss costs with you first so you are completely aware of what to expect.
For more general information about our legal fees, you can take a look at our pricing.
Get in touch with our commercial lease solicitors
For tailored legal advice on all commercial lease law matters, please get in
touch with our solicitors in Stafford and Rugeley.
