About
A commercial lease can shape your costs and flexibility for years. RG Law acts for landlords and tenants, reviewing and negotiating the legal terms so the document reflects the commercial deal.
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Why the lease wording matters
A lease is not simply permission to occupy a building. It sets out who repairs what, how rent can change, what the tenant can do with the premises, whether the lease can be ended early and who pays when things go wrong. For a tenant, an apparently small wording point can create a significant future liability. For a landlord, weak drafting can reduce control or make enforcement difficult. Good lease advice therefore starts with the heads of terms and the commercial objective, not just with proofreading the final document. RG Law acts on the grant, renewal, assignment and variation of commercial leases across England and Wales.
Key lease terms we review
• Length of term and security of tenure • Rent, rent review and rent-free periods • Repairing and decorating obligations • Service charge • Insurance provisions • Permitted use • Alterations and fit-out • Assignment, subletting and sharing occupation • Break clauses • Guarantees, rent deposits and other security
Negotiating premises?
Send the heads of terms to RG Law before the lease drafting is too far advanced. Early legal input can identify commercial points that are easier to change before everyone treats them as agreed.
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From heads of terms to completed lease
1. Heads of terms are agreed between landlord and tenant. 2. RG Law is instructed and reviews the commercial deal. 3. The draft lease and supporting documents are issued or received. 4. Title, searches and property information are reviewed where relevant. 5. Lease terms are negotiated. 6. Any agreement for lease, licence for alterations, rent deposit deed or guarantee is finalised. 7. The lease is signed and completed. 8. SDLT and Land Registry requirements are dealt with where applicable. A lease can be completed quickly if the heads are clear and both parties are realistic, but fit-out works, planning, lender consent or complex title arrangements can extend the timetable.
Commercial lease legal fees
RG Law’s current fees page states that commercial property transactions and leases start from £1,500. The final fee depends on the length and complexity of the lease, whether you are landlord or tenant and whether additional documents are required. A tenant should also factor in survey costs, deposit, rent in advance, SDLT where applicable, service charge and fit-out costs. A landlord may have its own lender, managing agent or superior-landlord requirements to deal with.
How long does a commercial lease take?
A relatively standard lease can progress quickly when the heads of terms are clear, the title is straightforward and the parties respond promptly. More complicated negotiations over repair, breaks, alterations, planning or security can take longer. If occupation is tied to a business launch, relocation date or expiry of an existing lease, make the critical date clear at instruction so the transaction can be managed accordingly.
Tenant and landlord priorities are different
A tenant usually wants certainty over total occupancy cost, flexibility to assign or break, workable repair obligations and permission to use and fit out the premises. A landlord usually wants income security, control over use and alterations, strong repairing obligations and appropriate financial security. The final lease needs to balance those competing positions while reflecting the deal actually negotiated.
Commercial lease FAQs
Q: What are heads of terms? A: A summary of the main commercial points agreed before the lease is drafted. They are usually not a substitute for the final legal document. Q: What is a break clause? A: A contractual right for one or both parties to end the lease early if the stated conditions are met. Q: What is a full repairing and insuring lease? A: A form of lease under which the tenant can have extensive responsibility for repair and insurance costs, depending on the drafting. Q: Can I alter the premises? A: Only to the extent the lease permits, often subject to landlord consent and a separate licence for alterations. Q: Can I assign the lease to another business? A: Many leases allow assignment subject to conditions and landlord consent. The exact wording matters.
A lease should support the business deal
RG Law focuses on the practical effect of the drafting: what you can do, what you must pay, when you can leave and what liabilities continue. That is what turns a legal document into useful commercial advice.
Send us the heads of terms
If you have agreed heads of terms, send them with the property address and proposed occupation date. RG Law can then assess the scope and provide a commercial lease quotation.
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