Landlord and tenant solicitors
Our experienced solicitors provide practical, trusted advice for landlords and tenants at every stage of the property lifecycle.
We help landlords and tenants make informed property decisions with confidence.
Landlord and tenant relationships involve a wide range of legal and commercial considerations, from negotiating lease terms and managing property portfolios to dealing with renewals, assignments and disputes. Whether you are a landlord seeking to protect the value of your property assets or a tenant looking to secure premises that support your business objectives, obtaining the right legal advice is essential.
Our specialist solicitors advise landlords and tenants on all aspects of landlord and tenant law, providing practical, commercially focused guidance tailored to your circumstances. We work with businesses, investors, property owners and occupiers across a broad range of sectors, helping them manage risk, protect their interests and achieve their property objectives with confidence.
- Proven support with leases, renewals, disputes and property management.
- Proactive advice to minimise risk and avoid disputes.
- Swift, responsive support to keep transactions and negotiations on track.
- Commercial property advice backed by a full-service law firm and specialist disputes expertise.
Our landlord & tenant expertise
We routinely advise on all aspects of the agreements that govern relations between owners and occupiers, including:
- Heads of terms
- Agreements for lease
- Drafting and negotiating leases
- Lease assignments
- Lease renewals
- Exiting leases, including surrenders
- Security of tenure issues
- Licences to occupy
- Tenancies at will
- Licences to underlet
- Licences to alter
- Break clauses
- Service charges
- Rent deposits
- Stamp duty
- Disputes
- Funding
Landlord FAQs
Can a landlord refuse to renew a commercial lease?
Yes, in some circumstances a landlord can refuse to renew a commercial lease, but the position will depend on the type of lease and whether the tenant has statutory rights to renew.
Where the lease benefits from protection under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, a tenant may have the right to request a new lease at the end of the term. A landlord can only oppose renewal on specific grounds set out in the legislation, such as plans to redevelop the property or the landlord wishing to occupy the premises themselves.
The process involves strict legal requirements and timescales, so landlords and tenants should seek advice before serving or responding to any notices. Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors can advise on lease renewal rights, notices and the best approach to protect your interests.
What are a landlord’s responsibilities under a commercial lease?
A landlord’s responsibilities under a commercial lease will depend on the terms agreed with the tenant and the specific circumstances of the property. Unlike residential leases, commercial lease obligations are largely determined by the wording of the lease.
Common landlord responsibilities may include maintaining parts of the building that they are responsible for, ensuring compliance with relevant legal obligations, managing shared areas and services, and allowing the tenant to occupy and use the premises in accordance with the lease.
The lease will set out the extent of the landlord’s obligations, as well as the tenant’s responsibilities for matters such as repairs, maintenance and alterations. Taking legal advice when negotiating or reviewing a lease can help ensure responsibilities are clearly understood and properly managed.
What legal support do commercial landlords need?
Commercial landlords may require legal support throughout the lifecycle of a property, from negotiating and granting leases through to managing tenant relationships and dealing with more complex issues.
Obtaining early legal advice can help landlords avoid unnecessary complications and ensure they are well positioned to respond effectively when issues arise.
Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors advise on a wide range of matters, including lease negotiations, rent reviews, lease renewals, assignments, alterations, dilapidations, breaches of lease and disputes. We help landlords understand their rights and obligations, manage risk and make informed decisions that protect the value of their property interests.
How can a landlord recover unpaid rent from a commercial tenant?
If a commercial tenant fails to pay rent, a landlord may have a number of options available to recover the money owed. The appropriate approach will depend on the terms of the lease, the amount outstanding and the wider circumstances of the landlord and tenant relationship.
Options include negotiating repayment arrangements, serving appropriate notices, pursuing a claim for the outstanding rent or taking further enforcement action where necessary.
It is important that landlords follow the correct legal process and understand the potential consequences before taking action.
Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors work closely with our debt recovery team to provide a coordinated approach to recovering unpaid rent and other sums due under a commercial lease.
What can a landlord do if a tenant breaches the lease?
If a commercial tenant breaches the terms of their lease, a landlord may have a number of options available depending on the nature of the breach, the terms of the lease and the landlord’s objectives.
Breaches can include issues such as unpaid rent, unauthorised alterations, failure to maintain the property or breaches of other lease obligations. The appropriate response may involve negotiating a resolution, seeking compliance with the lease terms or taking formal legal action where necessary.
Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors work closely with our dispute resolution team to provide strategic advice and support when lease disputes arise. We help landlords understand their options, manage risk and pursue the most effective solution, whether that involves negotiation, mediation or court proceedings.
Tenant FAQs
What should tenants consider before signing a commercial lease?
Before signing a commercial lease, tenants should carefully consider the terms of the agreement and understand the legal and financial commitments they are taking on. A commercial lease can be a significant long-term commitment, so obtaining advice at an early stage can help identify risks and ensure the terms support your business objectives.
Key considerations include the length of the lease, rent and review provisions, repair and maintenance responsibilities, permitted use of the premises, rights to assign or sublet, break clauses and any obligations to reinstate the property at the end of the lease.
Can a tenant negotiate the terms of a commercial lease?
Yes, tenants can often negotiate the terms of a commercial lease before it is signed. The lease will set out important rights and obligations, so it is essential to understand the terms and ensure they are appropriate for your business before committing.
Areas that may be negotiated include rent, lease length, break clauses, repair obligations, permitted use, rights to alter the property, assignment or subletting provisions and renewal rights. The scope for negotiation will depend on the landlord, the property and the wider circumstances.
What are dilapidations and could a tenant be responsible for them?
Dilapidations refer to the repairs, maintenance, reinstatement or other works that a tenant may be required to carry out under the terms of a commercial lease. They commonly arise during the lease term or when a tenant is preparing to leave the property at the end of the lease.
Whether a tenant is responsible for dilapidations will depend on the specific obligations set out in the lease, including any repairing, decorating or reinstatement requirements. If a tenant fails to meet these obligations, the landlord may be able to seek compensation or require works to be completed.
Obtaining advice early can help minimise risk and avoid costly disputes at the end of a lease.
Can a tenant end a commercial lease early?
Whether a tenant can end a commercial lease early will depend on the terms of the lease and the circumstances involved. Unlike residential tenancies, commercial leases are usually binding for the full agreed term unless there is a contractual right or agreement allowing early termination.
Options may include exercising a break clause, negotiating an early surrender with the landlord, assigning the lease to another tenant or exploring other solutions permitted under the lease. The availability of these options will depend on the specific wording of the agreement and the landlord’s position.
Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors can advise tenants on their options for bringing a commercial lease to an end early, helping them understand their rights, obligations and the potential risks involved.
What should a tenant do if they have a dispute with their landlord?
If a tenant has a dispute with their landlord, it is important to seek advice early to understand their position and avoid the issue escalating unnecessarily.
The best approach will depend on the circumstances and the terms of the lease. In many cases, disputes can be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, but formal legal action may be required where an agreement cannot be reached.
Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors work closely with our dispute resolution team to provide strategic advice and practical support.
Contact us
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Why use our landlord and tenant solicitors?
Highly experienced in property law
We provide practical, tailored advice to landlords and tenants on all aspects of property law. Whether you are negotiating lease terms, understanding your rights and obligations, protecting your property interests or resolving disputes, we deliver solutions aligned with your objectives and long-term goals.
We protect relationships as well as rights
Our solicitors combine robust legal advice with a practical approach, helping landlords and tenants safeguard their legal position while maintaining valuable long-term relationships wherever possible.
Leading full-service law firm
Boyes Turner is recognised as a leading law firm by Chambers UK and The Legal 500. As a full-service firm, we draw on expertise across property, dispute resolution, corporate and private wealth teams to provide joined-up advice and comprehensive support tailored to your needs.
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