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Commercial Leases – Dangers of not taking legal advice

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There are lots of costs involved for a tenant when considering taking a commercial property lease such as a premium, a rent deposit, a contribution towards the Landlord’s legal costs. But what are the dangers of not taking legal advice as a prospective Tenant?

It is important to have a dedicated legal adviser who has your business requirements at the forefront of their mind when negotiating the terms of a commercial property lease. For example:

  • Is it vital that you will be able to make alterations to the property without needing the Landlord’s consent?
  • Do you need to be able to display your business signs at the Property?
  • Do you want the right to remain in occupation of the Property at the end of the term?

Without legal advice, it is possible that you will not be aware of the risks and possible implications of agreeing to certain lease terms. Taking legal advice on the title itself will also enable you to confirm that the Landlord indeed owns the interest in the Property and therefore is able to grant you a lease. They can ensure that consents required to grant the lease from mortgage provider, are also obtained.

Are there extra costs involved in addition to an annual rent?

Many commercial leases will require the Tenant to reimburse the Landlord for their costs expended in buying insurance, and towards the cost expended in providing services such as maintaining communal areas and maintaining the grounds of the estate. Does the Landlord have the ability to review the rent? Taking legal advice at the outset, means that you will have a much fuller appreciation of such costs involved under the lease.

What about your rights under the commercial property lease?

It is imperative that a lease grants you sufficient rights to be able to use and enjoy the Property in the way you anticipate.

  1. Are there sufficient rights for you to access the Property?
  2. Can you use the communal facilities?
  3. Do you have rights to use the stairs and hallways?
  4. Can you use car parking spaces?

Failing to consider this fully could result in you taking a lease and finding, once in occupation, that you do not have all the rights you need to be able to use the Property properly.

Have you registered your Commercial Property Lease?

Leases must be registered if the lease is for a term of more than 7 years from the grant, or if the term starts more than 3 months from the date it is granted. It is usually the Tenant’s obligation to register the lease, but in any event, legislation tells us that it must be registered within 2 months from completion.

If the lease is not registered, it will only take effect as an agreement for lease and only at equity and will not operate at law. This means that a Tenant will not hold the legal interest and ultimately if a landlord sells their interest the lease will not transfer to the new owner.

Have you notified HMRC of your Commercial Property Transaction?

A danger of not taking legal advice is the risk of omitting to notify the HMRC of a transaction. While the grant of a lease may not always trigger a payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax, in some circumstances you must still notify the HMRC of the transaction by filing a Land Return Form. Failing to do so could lead to fines becoming payable to the HMRC.

It’s imperative that your commercial lease is carefully drafted, thoroughly reviewed, and closely monitored and managed throughout the process. For help getting started or drafting your lease please do not hesitate to contact our specialist team here at Onyx Solicitors on 0121 268 3208 or email us at info@onyxsolicitors.com with your query.

 

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