Commercial landlords2022-05-23T15:40:51+00:00

Commercial Landlord Solicitors

More Than Half a Century’s Experience Specialists in Complex and High Value Cases
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Experienced Commercial Landlord Solicitors

At OGR Stock Denton, we’re specialists in commercial property matters. Our property law experts help you understand your responsibilities and support you when you need them. From tenant/landlord disputes to acquisitions and portfolio management, our commercial property lawyers have the answers you need to do business.

Becoming a commercial landlord entails taking on a lot of responsibility. Not only do you need to maintain your property to certain standards, but you’ll also need to run your venture as a viable business. You need to deal with tenant issues and stay updated on legislation. You have a duty of care for your tenants and everyone who uses your building. You’ll also need to be aware of regulatory compliance requirements, health and safety legislation, and a raft of other demands.

On top of all this, the retail sector is undergoing monumental changes. As we come out of a turbulent period, commercial landlords need to manage their assets as economically as possible. An empty commercial unit isn’t bringing in any revenue, while poorly managed units will end up costing you money.

To make an appointment to discuss any aspect of Commercial Landlord Law please email or call on 020 8349 0321.

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Commercial Landlord Matters

Need Advice?

For further advice or clarification on the laws affecting commercial landlords, please visit our contact us page. Our clients can also seek advice on a range of contentious matters from the firm’s litigation team.

Other aspects of commercial property law covered by OGR Stock Denton solicitors:

For further details please visit our section on landlord and tenant disputes.

Our Legal Team

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Commercial Landlord

A landlord is responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of a building. But what else falls under your remit?

The Code for leasing business premises in England and Wales 2007 sets out the responsibilities of commercial landlords. While this isn’t a legally binding document, it does give you a good resume of what you should be focusing on.

The Code is authorised by regulatory bodies such as the British Retail Consortium and the CBI. It sets out best-practice, is reviewed regularly, and updated to reflect the changing nature of the retail industry. Under the Code, your responsibilities include:

  • Alterations to the property
  • Ensuring all planning permission is granted for changes of use
  • Assignment and subletting issues
  • Insurance and financial protection, including public and personal liability
  • Lease negotiations at the start of occupancy and for renewals
  • Ongoing management and service charges
  • Rent reviews, guarantees and deposits
  • Break clauses.

Health and Safety

Health and safety is a key responsibility for landlords. It carries the greatest risk of litigation in the event of an injury or death. Commercial landlords are responsible for various H&S issues, including:

  • Fire safety regulations (including checking fire alarms are operational and that regular inspections are carried out)
  • Gas and electrical safety (including ensuring all installations are checked and maintained by certified Gas Safe engineers and carrying out electrical safety inspections)
  • Asbestos management (including the safe removal and disposal of any asbestos found on site)
  • Water supply and hygiene (including access to toilets, washing facilities, safe drinking water, etc.)

Energy performance

These days, we’re all far more conscious of the effect of our activities on the planet. To combat emissions and ensure energy costs are kept to manageable levels, commercial landlords must provide tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate that conforms with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). This gives every property a rating between A-G and includes recommendations for improvements where necessary.

Rent and Fees

Unlike residential property rent, commercial rent is usually calculated based on the size of the property (per sq.ft/m) or as a percentage lease. The key is to strike a balance between a rent that covers the cost of owning and maintaining the property and encouraging tenants to take up a lease. An overpriced rental will discourage potential tenants, reducing the revenue that a commercial property can generate.

Landlords also need to ensure that the lease terms are fair and comply with all current legislation. OGR Stock Denton’s commercial property solicitors can help you create a tenancy agreement that is fair to both parties, providing you as the landlord with a degree of security without infringing on the tenant’s rights.

Before renting out any property it is good practice to make an inventory. Make a complete inventory of all fixtures and fittings, as well as a statement of the condition of the property before the tenancy is signed. This reduces the chance of disputes at the end of a lease or if the agreement is terminated by either party early.

Within the agreement, you’ll also need to lay out:

  • Break clause – this allows a tenant to break their lease without penalty
  • Installation of utilities such as broadband or IT – who is responsible financially (the tenant or the landlord) and the maintenance of these services
  • Service charges – for cleaning, maintenance of communal areas, upkeep of the building and maintenance costs
  • Any additional costs

Tackling Landlord and Tenant Disputes

No matter how good your relationship with your tenants, there is always the possibility that a dispute will arise at some point. This could be down to anything from rent increases to maintenance, access or installation of digital services. If you do find yourself in this position, it’s essential to get legal advice as quickly as possible.

At OGR Stock Denton, our commercial property legal team have the experience and the expertise to advise you and represent your interests if that dispute escalates. They can also act as mediators between parties to find a solution quickly and easily.

Investment and Development

Are you ready to expand your commercial property portfolio? Have you seen a property that you’d like to buy? Or do you own a commercial property that you’d like to develop or apply for a change of use? The team at OGR Stock Denton can advise you on investment and development issues to maximise your rental income.

OGR Stock Denton – Your Commercial Property Legal Experts

OGR Stock Denton has a reputation for excellence. Whether you’re signing a new tenancy agreement, expanding your property portfolio and need commercial conveyancing services, or have a dispute to settle, we can help. If you have a question, we have the answer. With clear, expert advice that’s jargon-free and client-focused, we’ll provide you with the legal representation you need.

Call us today on 020 8346 0321. Or use our online contact form to get in touch, and our team will get back to you.

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What Our Clients Say

“I called you with a difficult situation and within 30 minutes you had addressed the main issue and very clinically identified what needed to be done. Your attention to detail and your work approach are of such a high standard that i have no doubt whatsoever that any client you deal with will only have good things to say. You are a true ambassador to your firm and your profession, with the care you show and advice you give. I would like to thank you again for the wonderful job you did at such short notice and i have no hesitation in using your services again and recommending your firm.” – Meir

“I must thank you Ian, and Stephen, for your professionalism though the complex and protracted negotiations and for the support, understanding and patience you have shown me personally throughout.” – Malcolm

“Winston Kan & Michael Stock of OGR Stock Denton LLP have been a great support throughout the process and Winston has demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and genuine care throughout this difficult process. I highly recommend these lawyers, they are very attentive and honourable.” – Aziza

“All round brilliant team at OGR. After being badly let down by another solicitor, Priti Shah sorted our parents’ probates quickly and efficiently. She is very knowledgeable and on the ball and structured things in such a way she saved us lots of money. We also had conveyancing done by Ben Menaham which was smooth and hassle free and overseen by Michael Stock. Thank you.” – Monica

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Winston Kan of OGR Stock Denton LLP for the outstanding work he did on my car accident case. He supported me and my family through the long and exhausting process. There were times when I was ready to give up but he patiently and supportively guided me all the way. All the best wishes from me and my family.” – Hana

“ We completed our home move in June, beating the Stamp Duty deadline by 4 days, and were extremely satisfied with the way the whole selling and buying process was handled by Robert Rosenberg. He was super efficient and communicated with us constantly throughout the process. We highly recommend him. and OHR Stock Denton, to anyone looking for a painless and stress-free experience. ” – Colin

“I owe you a great debt of gratitude for the kind, helpful, empathic way you dealt with me and went about your business at a time in my life when I was suffering huge emotional pain. I did not really understand what was happening to me but you did, and your advice was invaluable”. – Stephen Wiser

“A big thank you to Susan Bernstein for her help and support during my redundancy process, you made the legal part stress free and easy to follow. I fully trust your work and will recommend your services in the future.” – Meital

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