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Leasing commercial property can be complex, and whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it’s important to have the right legal advice from the outset. A well-drafted lease protects your interests, clarifies responsibilities, and helps prevent costly disputes later on. At SMR Solicitors, we provide straightforward, practical guidance to help you navigate every stage of the leasing process.
Our experienced Commercial Property team advises on all types of commercial premises, including offices, retail units, industrial spaces, and hospitality properties. We take the time to understand your goals, ensuring the lease terms reflect what matters most to you, whether that’s flexibility, security, or long-term investment.
From negotiating heads of terms to reviewing the final agreement and handling renewals or variations, we work efficiently to keep your transaction on track. With clear communication and a proactive approach, we aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, a seller or a buyer, SMR’s Commercial Conveyancers can provide you with the very best legal advice and support, including the following services:
- Sales and purchases of commercial properties, both freehold & leasehold
- New leases
- Lease renewals & terminations
- New developments
- Overage agreements
- Option agreements
- Deeds of Easement
- Auction sales and purchases
- Lease extensions, enfranchisements & right to manage
- Dilapidations
- Secured lending
- Telecommunication mast licences and leases
Speak to our commercial lease solicitors in West Sussex
To discuss your requirements and find out how we can help, please get in touch to speak to one of our expert commercial lease lawyers.
- BOGNOR REGIS - 01243 860323
- CHICHESTER - 01243 780211
- EAST WITTERING - 01243 671782
- SELSEY - 01243 602832
Our commercial lease services
Leasing an office
Leasing an office requires careful consideration of your business needs, location, and long-term plans.
A well-drafted lease ensures clarity around rent, service charges, and responsibilities, helping to avoid disputes in the future.
At SMR Solicitors, we guide both landlords and tenants through the negotiation and drafting process, making sure terms are fair and transparent.
Whether it’s a short-term lease for a start-up or a long-term arrangement for an established company, our team provides practical advice to protect your interests and ensure the lease reflects your operational and financial goals.
Leasing a commercial unit
Commercial units, such as warehouses or industrial spaces, come with unique legal considerations.
Your lease must clearly outline maintenance responsibilities, permitted uses, and any restrictions that could affect your operations.
Our commercial lease solicitors work closely with clients to draft and review leases, negotiate terms, and address potential issues before they arise.
We focus on ensuring leases are structured to provide security and flexibility, helping businesses operate efficiently while safeguarding landlords’ investment.
With clear guidance at every stage, we aim to make the leasing process straightforward and stress-free.
Leasing a retail space
Retail leases often involve complex terms, including rent reviews, service charges, and turnover clauses. It’s crucial to understand how these affect your business before signing.
Our commercial lease lawyers advise both tenants and landlords on negotiating leases that balance operational needs with legal protection.
We carefully review contracts, highlight potential risks, and provide clear guidance on your obligations and rights.
Whether opening a new store or renewing an existing lease, our team ensures that all aspects, from permitted use to break clauses, are addressed, giving you confidence and clarity throughout the leasing process.
Leasing mixed-use properties
Mixed-use properties combine residential and commercial elements, which can make leases particularly complex.
Clear legal terms are essential to avoid conflicts between residential tenants and commercial operators.
Our team at SMR Solicitors advises on drafting and reviewing leases that balance the interests of all parties, including zoning restrictions, service charges, and shared facilities. We also provide guidance on renewals, assignments, and lease variations.
By addressing potential issues early, we help ensure a smooth leasing process that protects your investments and operations.
Frequently asked questions about commercial leases
Can a commercial lease solicitor help me negotiate better terms in a new lease agreement?
Yes. A commercial lease solicitor can provide invaluable guidance when negotiating a new lease.
We will review the proposed terms, identify potential risks, and suggest amendments to protect your interests. From rent and service charges to break clauses and permitted use, our solicitors will ensure the lease reflects your operational and financial goals.
We can also advise on negotiation strategy, helping you achieve more favourable terms while avoiding common pitfalls.
By having an experienced legal professional involved from the outset, you can enter into your lease with confidence and greater security.
What is the typical cost for a commercial lease solicitor to handle the entire leasing process?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the lease, the type of property, and the parties involved.
Typically, solicitors charge a fixed fee or hourly rate, which may include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the lease, as well as handling searches and correspondence.
More complex leases, such as those for mixed-use properties or long-term commercial arrangements, can be higher in cost.
Our solicitors for commercial leases will provide a clear breakdown of fees upfront, allowing you to budget effectively.
Investing in professional legal advice can prevent costly mistakes and delays during the leasing process.
Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance in a standard commercial lease, and how does a solicitor advise on this?
In a standard commercial lease, responsibility for repairs and maintenance is usually set out in the lease agreement.
Many leases, particularly Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) leases, place obligations on tenants to maintain the property and cover insurance costs.
A commercial lease solicitor carefully reviews these clauses to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
They can advise tenants on negotiating limits to their responsibilities and help landlords clearly define obligations.
By clarifying maintenance responsibilities at the outset, a solicitor helps prevent disputes, manage costs, and protect both parties’ interests throughout the lease term.
What are the legal implications of a "Full Repairing and Insuring" (FRI) lease?
A Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) lease places the responsibility for all repairs, maintenance, and property insurance on the tenant. This can include structural and non-structural repairs, as well as compliance with health and safety regulations.
While FRI leases are common for commercial properties, they can represent a significant financial obligation for tenants.
A solicitor can review the lease to ensure obligations are clearly defined, advise on negotiating limits or caps, and explain the potential risks.
Understanding these implications before signing is crucial, as tenants are legally bound to meet these responsibilities throughout the lease term.
Speak to our commercial lease solicitors in West Sussex
To discuss your requirements and find out how we can help, please get in touch to speak to one of our expert commercial lease lawyers.
