As a commercial property solicitor, the work which I encounter is varied ranging from sales and purchases of commercial premises, refinancing of property portfolios or option agreements for development. The most common commercial property transaction I deal with however, is in relation to leases whether that be acting for either a landlord or a tenant.
The process to be followed in connection with the taking or granting of a commercial lease is the same regardless of the type or premises or length of the lease, and we are often asked by both landlords and tenants to provide practical advice on certain provisions contained within leases. We have established that a lease effectively has a life cycle in that terms are negotiated, a draft is issued and the lease is completed, the lease ends and often that lease is then renewed. The same process is followed on a renewal!
This lease life cycle has inspired us to host a series of workshops which will take place at our Stockton office. We intend to cover a number of lease topics during the lease life cycle, from agreement of heads of terms stage, right through to lease completion. We are conducting the workshops in conjunction with Robertson Simpson Limited, given that there are aspects of leases which often require specialist input from surveyors such as repairing obligations, lease termination provisions and alterations provisions. The importance of engaging with a surveyor throughout the lease process is often underestimated. We believe our workshops will demonstrate how by working together we can achieve a positive outcome for all parties involved.
We will focus on the following topics:
- Heads of terms
- Rent and rent review
- Service charges
- Repair
- Assignment and underletting
- Break clauses
- Alterations and compliance provisions
- Contracting out of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (security of tenure)
- Yielding up and dilapidations
These workshops are aimed at anyone who has an interest in commercial property and will be interactive sessions allowing attendees the opportunity to discuss their own experiences, or raise queries regarding any current leases in place. They will take place at our head office in Stockton, on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, the first one being held on 13th February.
This is a great opportunity to benefit from advice from specialist property lawyers and building surveyors all in one place.
Places at these workshop events are allocated on a first come first served basis, so don’t delay. Please register your interest at these events by contacting Caroline Noble E: mailto:cnoble@jacksons-law.com or T: 01642 356500. We look forward to seeing you soon.
