The idea of ‘green’ leases for commercial property is rising up the agenda as policies push all parts of the economy towards net zero, but many commercial landlords and tenants do not really know what a green lease should contain, and who should pay for improvements. A new set of model clauses published by the…
The way goods and materials are bought and sold in the UK has changed beyond recognition over the last 25 years, with the supply chain and end customers expecting speedy delivery. This has created new demand for logistics and distribution sites, ranging from vast state-of-the art warehouses alongside ‘last mile’ dispatches from a network of…
Easements are valuable rights that allow you to use neighbouring land in particular ways, for the benefit of your own property. Without easements, like a right of way or the right to light, you might not be able to make full use of your property, so they really matter especially when you are operating a…
If you get planning permission for the development of a site, it now comes with an obligation to ensure that there is a net gain in biodiversity. The statutory obligation is to demonstrate a minimum 10 per cent increase in biodiversity after the development has been completed, compared with the site before the development began….
If your business requirements have changed, and you need to get out of your current lease, a surrender can be an attractive option – as long as your landlord is willing to agree. Alternatively, your landlord may want the property back for redevelopment and approach you to discuss surrendering your lease. ‘There are different ways…
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 will give local authorities new powers to hold rental auctions of empty high street properties if landlords do not find tenants for themselves. The relevant parts of the legislation are not yet in force, but if you are a landlord of urban retail, office or hospitality premises which…
If you are considering buying a commercial property, it is up to you to find out as much as possible about the property and the surrounding area before you commit yourself. You will need a solicitor to carry out formal searches of public data and look at any legal issues, but you must also look…
The most successful commercial landlords take an active approach to managing their properties, and there is more to this than making sure the building is well-maintained. It is also important to check that your tenants are not causing a nuisance to others or acting illegally, as if you do not enforce the tenant’s obligations in…
If you take a lease of business premises, your landlord may ask you to ‘contract out’ of statutory rights that apply to business tenancies. Before making that decision, you need expert legal advice to understand what rights you are giving up and how that might affect your business in the future. ‘If your business is…
Commercial tenants will know that the rent they pay is only one part of the overall cost of occupying their premises. A service charge is another significant cost and, unlike rent, it can fluctuate from year to year depending on what the landlord intends to spend on maintenance and other services. Commercial tenants keen to…