Commercial Lease Solicitors
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Expert Advice for Commercial Lease Tenants and Landlords
Commercial lease decisions carry long-term implications for your business. Whether you are taking on new premises, renewing an existing lease, or letting property as a landlord, getting the legal terms right from the start protects your interests and prevents costly problems later.
Gurve Legal is a London-based commercial law firm advising both tenants and landlords on all aspects of commercial leases, from negotiation through to renewals, rent reviews and disputes.
With particular experience in healthcare property, offices, retail and mixed-use developments, we understand the specific challenges different property types present.
Our Commercial Lease Services
New Lease Negotiations
Taking on business premises is a major decision. We negotiate on your behalf to secure favourable terms across every key clause.
- Lease length, break clauses and rent-free periods
- Rent review provisions and repairing obligations
- Service charges and permitted use restrictions
- Assignment and subletting rights
Lease Renewals
Where a lease falls inside the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, tenants usually have statutory renewal rights. We advise on Section 26 requests, responding to Section 25 notices, and negotiating new lease terms for both tenants and landlords.
Rent Reviews
Most leases over five years include rent review provisions, often upwards only. We advise on review clause interpretation, market rent assessments, and expert determination where landlord and tenant cannot agree.
Assignments and Subletting
Where you need to assign a lease or sublet part of your premises, we handle licence to assign applications, landlord’s conditions, and Authorised Guarantee Agreements throughout.
Break Clauses
Break clauses allow early exit but typically come with strict conditions. We advise on satisfying those conditions and the correct timing and form of notices, since a defective break notice can be costly.
Dilapidations
At lease end, tenants must usually return premises in proper repair. Our property litigation team assists with dilapidations claims, negotiating settlements, and challenging excessive demands.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
Tenant and Landlord Representation
We act for both tenants and landlords, giving us insight into both sides’ concerns. This experience helps us negotiate effectively and identify solutions that work in practice.
Healthcare Property Specialists
Our experience with medical and dental premises means we understand healthcare-specific property requirements, including CQC compliance and clinical facility needs.
Commercial Focus
We are not just property lawyers. Our advice considers your commercial objectives, not just legal technicalities, focusing on outcomes that support your business.
Responsive and Accessible
Property transactions run to deadlines. We respond quickly, work efficiently, and keep you informed throughout, so you always know what happens next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lease inside and outside the 1954 Act?
A lease inside the Act gives the tenant a statutory right to renew at the end of the term. A lease outside the Act, or contracted out, ends on the date specified with no automatic renewal right.
Can a landlord refuse a lease renewal?
Only on specific statutory grounds set out in the Act. Wanting a different tenant or a higher rent than agreed is not a valid ground on its own.
Are rent review disputes usually settled in court?
No. Most commercial leases direct rent review disputes to an independent expert or arbitrator rather than the courts, which is usually quicker and less costly.
What happens if I miss a break clause condition?
Missing a condition, even a minor one, can invalidate the break notice entirely, leaving you bound to the lease for the remaining term. Conditions should be checked carefully well before the notice deadline.
Is there a cap on dilapidations claims?
Yes. Damages are generally capped by the actual diminution in the value of the landlord’s interest, meaning a landlord cannot always recover the full cost of repair works.
Speak to Our Commercial Lease Solicitors
Whether you are taking on new premises, renewing an existing lease, navigating a rent review, or resolving a lease dispute, our team delivers practical, commercially-focused advice.