Variety is the spice of commercial property leases! At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we provide legal advice and assistance to a range of businesses. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to protect your investment or a tenant establishing a new location, our experienced commercial property team provides comprehensive legal guidance throughout the leasing process.
We can advise on flexible hot desk agreements, office leases including serviced and standalone buildings, retail and hospitality leases for premises of all size – to large scale industrial commercial clients with their property requirements including pension and investment funds.
For advice, contact us via our online enquiry form form or call 0845 543 5700.
Our dedicated team comprises Partners, Solicitors, Associates, Paralegals and Apprentices, all with extensive knowledge of the issues involved in leasing property. We offer:
Our team work collaboratively, together and with their support staff to provide clients with straightforward, practical and honest advice. We utilise technology where appropriate but are considerate to all client’s needs.
We understand that commercial property leasing can be complex, which is why we’ve developed a clear, structured approach to guide you through every step:
Our team includes specialist commercial property solicitors with extensive experience in all aspects of commercial leases. The team is also recommended by the independently-researched publication, The Legal 500, as being one of the top teams of experts in the country.
We combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the property market to provide practical, business-focused advice. From initial negotiations to dispute resolution, we provide comprehensive support for all commercial lease matters. We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each client, whether you’re a small business tenant or a large property investor.
With deep roots in Essex and wider UK property market, we offer insights into local trends and regulations.
Our experienced team has successfully handled a diverse range of complex commercial property transactions, demonstrating our expertise across various sectors and transaction types:
With strategically located offices across Essex—including Billericay, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, and Sudbury—as well as London, we’re always within reach to offer tailored assistance that meets your specific needs.
For advice, contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700.
For more than four decades, Fisher Jones Greenwood has provided expert legal advice to individuals and businesses throughout Essex, Suffolk, and London. Our dedicated team of solicitors is committed to delivering practical solutions for your legal matters. Contact us on 08455 435 700 or via our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation.
Request A CallbackHow long does a commercial lease usually last?
Commercial leases commonly range from 3 to 25 years, depending on the business needs and market conditions. Shorter leases offer flexibility but may have higher rent, while longer leases provide stability but require greater commitment. We can advise on the optimal lease length for your specific circumstances.
What should I consider before signing a commercial lease?
Key considerations include: rent review provisions, break clause options, service charge arrangements, repairing obligations, permitted use clauses, assignment and subletting rights, and security requirements such as rent deposits or personal guarantees. We recommend having our solicitors review all terms before committing.
Can I end a commercial lease early?
This depends on whether your lease contains a break clause. Without one, you’re generally bound to the full term unless you can negotiate an early surrender with the landlord or assign/sublet the lease to another party (subject to lease permissions). We can advise on your specific options based on your lease terms.
What is a rent review and how does it work?
Rent reviews are predetermined points during a lease when the rent can be adjusted, typically upward only. The review method will be specified in the lease and may be linked to market rates, RPI/CPI indices, or a fixed percentage increase. Understanding these provisions before signing is crucial to forecasting future business costs.
What are dilapidations and why are they important?
Dilapidations refer to breaches of lease covenants that relate to the condition of the property. At the end of a lease, landlords often serve a schedule of dilapidations claiming for repairs, redecoration, or reinstatement. These claims can be substantial, so understanding your repairing obligations from the outset is essential.
Do I need a survey before taking a commercial lease?
While not legally required, a commercial property survey is highly recommended. It establishes the condition of the property at the outset and can help limit your liability for pre-existing issues. This is particularly important for FRI leases where repair responsibilities are extensive.
What is a Licence to Alter?
If you need to make changes to a leased property, most commercial leases require landlord’s consent in the form of a Licence to Alter. This document sets out what changes are permitted and any conditions attached, including potential requirements to reinstate the property at the end of the lease.
What costs are involved when entering a commercial lease?
Beyond the obvious rent payments, costs may include: legal fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), service charges, insurance, business rates, utilities, fit-out expenses, and potentially VAT. We provide clear guidance on all potential costs to help you budget effectively.
Can I assign my lease to another business?
Most commercial leases contain provisions regarding assignment (transferring the lease to another party). These typically require landlord’s consent, which should not be unreasonably withheld, but may impose conditions such as guarantees from the outgoing tenant. We can advise on your specific assignment rights and negotiate the best possible terms.
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