Commercial Lease Solicitors
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, it’s important to get professional advice not only for a new commercial lease, but also for the surrender, assignment or variation of one too. Rushing any of these steps frequently leads to unwelcome problems later on.
Our commercial lease expertise
Our commercial property solicitors will take the time to understand your position and the transaction at the outset. Where the transaction requires, such as where one of the parties is carrying out works to the property as part of the deal, our expert team work with your surveyors and other professionals to make sure that you are properly advised and protected.
If you are looking to buy or sell an existing leasehold business, our commercial property solicitors work together with our Employment and Corporate + Commercial teams to dovetail the business, employment and property elements of the deal.
In the event that a dispute occurs within the landlord and tenant relationship, we can lean on the expertise of our landlord and tenant solicitors.
Why do I need a solicitor for a commercial lease?
Although you do not need to use a solicitor when entering into a commercial lease agreement, the law surrounding it is complex, and so it is highly recommended that you seek advice from a specialist commercial property lawyer.
By having an experienced solicitor on hand, you can rest assured that your commercial lease will be legally sound. A lawyer can ensure that you will be adequately protected from any issues surrounding the obligations and conditions of the lease.
Lease obligations and conditions include:
- Break conditions. It can be useful to include a break clause in the lease to allow some flexibility to end the lease before it reaches full term, provided that you give sufficient notice. An experienced commercial lease solicitor will be able to advise you on whether this is possible.
- Repair obligations. These outline your obligations as a commercial tenant to keep the property in repair. Your solicitor can review the lease and make sure that you will not be expected to keep the commercial premises in any better state of condition than they were when you first moved in.
- Tenure. A tenant who has occupied a commercial premises has a right to a new lease at the end of the contractual term. However, it is not always as clear cut as this, and a solicitor can advise you on your rights and what to look out for in your lease.
Can you negotiate a commercial lease?
Once you have found your new premises and you are ready to sign the lease, a lawyer can advise you on negotiating the terms within the commercial lease. This involves negotiating the ‘heads of terms’, which outlines the terms between the landlord and tenant such as the break conditions, repair obligations and tenure.
You cannot negotiate the terms of a lease after it has been completed.
Contact our commercial lease solicitors in Bristol
We pride ourselves on providing straightforward advice to clients all over the UK, from our offices across Bristol and the surrounding area in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury.
Our commercial property solicitors tailor their fee structure and work to suit your requirements and budget, so that big or small, your business can get the legal support it needs.
To arrange a consultation regarding a commercial lease or any other commercial property matter, call our specialist team in Bristol on 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.