Landlord and Tenant Solicitors

Yes. We act for both landlords and tenants across the full range of commercial landlord and tenant matters. For landlords, we advise on granting leases, setting heads of terms, managing tenant default, handling rent arrears and pursuing dilapidations claims. For tenants, our advice covers taking and negotiating leases, exercising break clauses, renewal rights and end-of-term obligations. Acting for both landlords and tenants means we understand the other party’s perspective, which helps us advise you more effectively.

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 gives business tenants a statutory right to renew their lease at the end of the term, unless this right has been excluded by prior agreement. If the Act applies, the landlord can only oppose a renewal on limited statutory grounds. If you’re a tenant, the Act may give you greater security than you realise. If you’re a landlord, you need to follow the correct procedure to exclude the Act’s protections or to oppose a renewal. We advise both landlords and tenants on their rights and the process involved. See our Leasing Commercial Property page for more on lease negotiations and renewals.

A landlord has several options when a tenant falls into rent arrears. These include issuing a formal demand, commencing debt recovery proceedings, or exercising the right to forfeit the lease, where the lease contains a forfeiture clause and the correct procedure is followed. Forfeiture is a powerful remedy but must be used carefully, as strict rules apply and a tenant may apply to the court for relief. We advise landlords on the most appropriate course of action in each situation, taking individual circumstances into account. Where the matter becomes contested, our property litigation team takes over.

Dilapidations are the repair and reinstatement obligations a tenant has under a lease, typically becoming relevant at or near the end of the tenancy. A landlord can make a claim against a tenant for the cost of returning the premises to the condition required under the lease. These claims can be significant, particularly in long leases or where substantial works are needed. We advise both landlords bringing dilapidations claims and tenants defending them. Where matters cannot be resolved by negotiation, our property litigation team handles the contested element. See our Commercial Property Disputes page for more information.

Tenant insolvency creates significant complications for a commercial landlord. The insolvency process may affect the landlord’s ability to forfeit a lease or recover rent, and may have to be dealt with by administrators or liquidators. A lease may be disclaimed (ended) in a liquidation, bringing the tenancy to an end. We advise landlords on their rights in insolvency situations, including options in relation to the lease, any guarantors and any deposits held. For more on distressed property transactions arising from tenant insolvency, see our Property Insolvency Sales page.