Commercial premises law

Whether your business owns or rents premises, your legal liabilities can be substantial. Commercial property law is complex, but you can avoid common pitfalls.

Choosing premises for your business doesn't just mean finding the right space in the right location - you also need to think about lease terms.

Getting out of a lease if your property requirements change while you are leasing commercial premises can leave you in a difficult situation.

The rent review provisions of a typical lease can present a major headache if you suddenly find yourself faced with a substantial rent increase.

A planned maintenance program for managing your premises can help minimise damage and the costs of repairs for your business premises.

If you are building or altering commercial premises, or changing the way you use them, you may need planning permission or building consent - or both.

Buying premises may be one of the largest investments you make in your business. Understand the process and have all the legal bases covered.

Rent reviews and business rates revaluations can cost you money. How to judge whether an increase is reasonable, and how to challenge an increase.

Most businesses rent their premises, either through a lease or a licence, as it's flexible and ties up minimal capital. Our guide to what to consider.

Rent reviews are a mechanism for adjusting a tenant’s rent to the current market level. You negotiate a rent review with your landlord.

If you lease business premises, understand your responsibilities for maintenance and repairs - they should be clearly set out in the lease.

Commercial tenants with older leases wanting to sublet can find their lease tricky to get out of. Find out how to overcome these problems.

If you want to get out of a lease, perhaps because you have found great new premises or you can no longer afford your existing property, what are your options? Know the barriers to getting out of a leave and how to overcome them.

Need guidance on property licenses? Our essential guide explains commercial premises law, covering key aspects for businesses.