Commercial Property Litigation
Real Estate
Trusted Commercial Property Litigation Solicitors in London
Commercial property disputes can disrupt trading, delay developments and put significant sums at risk. Whether you are a landlord pursuing a tenant in breach of covenant, a business tenant defending a dilapidations claim, or an investor facing a boundary dispute on a development site, you need solicitors who understand commercial property inside out.
Gurve Legal’s commercial property litigation team acts exclusively for businesses, landlords, tenants and property investors across London and England and Wales. We do not act on residential or domestic property disputes, so every matter we take on is shaped by commercial pressures such as trading continuity, rental income and deal timelines.
We work alongside Gurve Legal’s commercial property and dispute resolution teams to give you a complete, joined-up view of your matter from the outset.
Our Commercial Property Litigation Services
Commercial Landlord and Tenant Disputes
We act for both commercial landlords and tenants in disputes arising during the lease term, including breach of covenant, rent arrears and forfeiture. Our team works closely alongside colleagues advising on commercial landlord and tenant matters and commercial leases to keep your position protected throughout.
- Rent arrears recovery and Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR)
- Breach of covenant claims
- Forfeiture and applications for relief
- Business tenancy renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
Rent Reviews and Break Clause Disputes
Contested rent reviews and disputed break clauses can significantly affect the value of a lease for both parties. We advise landlords and tenants on interpreting lease terms, negotiating settlements and, where necessary, pursuing determination through the courts or arbitration.
- Rent review disputes and third party determinations
- Break clause interpretation and compliance
- Lease renewal negotiations
- Assignment and subletting disputes
Dilapidations Claims
Whether you are a landlord pursuing a dilapidations claim at the end of a lease or a tenant defending one, we provide strategic advice on schedules of dilapidations and quantification of loss. Involving us early typically reduces costs and improves outcomes for both sides.
- Schedules of dilapidations and Scott schedules
- Section 18 valuation strategy
- Interim and terminal dilapidations claims
- Negotiated settlements and cost management
Service Charge Disputes
Commercial service charge disputes often turn on whether costs are properly recoverable under the commercial property lease. We advise landlords on drafting and enforcing service charge provisions, and tenants on challenging charges that are unreasonable or improperly levied.
Recovery of Possession
When you need to recover a commercial property from a defaulting tenant, unlawful occupier or trespasser, timing matters. We act quickly to secure court orders and enforce possession while managing the legal risks of forfeiture.
- Possession proceedings against business tenants
- Removal of trespassers from commercial premises
- Forfeiture by peaceable re-entry
- Interim injunctions where urgent action is required
Boundary, Easement and Restrictive Covenant Disputes
Disputes over boundaries, rights of way and restrictive covenants can stall commercial developments and affect the value of investment property. We work with surveyors and expert witnesses to resolve these disputes for landowners, developers and investors, drawing on our experience across property development and regeneration.
Professional Negligence Claims
Where a surveyor, solicitor or other property professional has given negligent advice on a commercial transaction or lease, we pursue claims to recover your losses. We also defend property professionals facing claims of this kind
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Act for Both Landlords and Tenants
Many firms specialise on one side of the landlord and tenant relationship. We regularly act for both, which gives us a genuine understanding of how the other side is likely to approach a dispute and helps us negotiate more effectively on your behalf.
Built for SMEs and Owner-Managed Businesses
We do not act on residential property disputes, so every matter we handle is shaped by the commercial and financial pressures facing a business. Our advice is practical and focused on protecting your trading position, not just winning a legal argument.
Integrated Real Estate and Litigation Expertise
Our litigation team sits within Gurve Legal’s full-service real estate practice, working alongside colleagues who handle commercial property transactions, financing and leasing. This means your dispute is handled with a complete understanding of the underlying deal.
Early Resolution, Commercially Focused
Court proceedings are rarely the fastest or cheapest way to resolve a commercial property dispute. We pursue negotiation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution wherever possible, reserving litigation for when it is genuinely the best route to protect your position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial property litigation covers legal disputes involving business premises, commercial leases and investment property. This includes rent arrears, breach of covenant, dilapidations, possession claims and disputes between commercial landlords and tenants.
Yes. We act for both commercial landlords and tenants, and regularly advise on both sides of the same type of dispute. This gives us a practical understanding of how each side is likely to approach negotiation or litigation.
This depends on the complexity of the dispute and whether it can be settled through negotiation or mediation. Straightforward matters such as rent arrears recovery can often be resolved in weeks, while contested court proceedings may take considerably longer.
Many commercial property disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation or arbitration rather than court proceedings. We pursue these routes wherever they offer a faster, more cost-effective outcome, and only recommend litigation where it genuinely protects your position.
Yes. While we are based in London, we act for commercial landlords, tenants and investors across England and Wales.
Speak to Our Commercial Property Litigation Team
If you are facing a commercial property dispute, early advice can protect your position and reduce costs. Book a free 15-minute case review with our team to discuss your matter. This initial call is used to assess your case and is not a substitute for full legal advice.
Book a Free 15-Minute Case Review