SPECIALIST COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SOLICITORS IN NOTTINGHAM

Guiding You Through Your Commercial Property Matters

Our Commercial Property Law Department at Smalleys Solicitors is one of the most highly-regarded and busiest in Nottingham and the surrounding areas. With many years of experience guiding local businesses and landlords through their commercial property needs, you can be confident that by instructing us, your matter will be swiftly attended to, and you will be armed with the advice you need to make property decisions that advance your commercial ambitions.

We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm that uses best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective commercial property law advice and representation. Our years of experience in commercial property law means we have a robust reputation for excellence with the UK’s best Estate Agents, Independent Financial Advisers, Surveyors, and Lenders who can bring additional support to our Commercial Property Department if needed.

What is a Full Repairing and Insuring Lease?

A ‘full repairing and insuring’ (FRI) lease means the tenant is responsible for all external and internal maintenance, decorations, and repairs, as well as the liability for insuring the building. An internal repairing and insuring (IRI) lease means the tenant is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the part of the building they occupy. With IRI leases, you will need to check the landlord’s repair obligations regarding the outside and common parts of the premises.

Before entering the lease, make sure you have a full building survey undertaken. You can then ask for any existing dilapidation to be excluded from your liability to repair. Also, you will have a better idea of the potential maintenance costs you will need to budget for over the life of the lease. It is important that you do not enter into an FRI or IRI lease without having one of our Commercial Property Solicitors explain exactly what your obligations will be under its terms. You could inadvertently be liable for thousands of pounds if you are unaware of the extent of your responsibilities.

What is the Code for Leasing Business Premises, England and Wales 2020?

Published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Code for Leasing Business Premises, England and Wales (1st edition) (Lease Code 2020) aims to improve the quality and fairness of negotiations on business lease terms and to promote the issue of comprehensive heads of terms to make the legal drafting process more efficient. If the landlord or agent is a RICS member, they must comply with the following requirements:

Lease negotiations must be approached constructively and collaboratively.

The tenant must be advised of the existence of the Lease Code 2020 and encouraged to seek independent legal advice.

The terms of the lease must be recorded in written heads of terms, stating that it is ‘subject to contract’.

The heads of terms should cover matters such as rent reviews, service charges, repairing obligations, and the right to make alterations.

Part three of The Lease Code 2020 also includes several best practices covering:

• The term of the tenancy and break rights.
• Service charges, insurances, and other outgoings.
• Assignment and subletting.
• Repairs.
• Green lease clauses and energy certificates.

Our Commercial Property Solicitors have a wealth of experience in the Lease Code 2020 (and its predecessor) and have advised landlords, agents, and tenants on its mandatory and best practice clauses.

Why Choose Us?

Our Commercial Property Solicitors have been advising landlords and tenants throughout Nottingham and the surrounding areas on commercial property matters for many years. We are proud of our personal service to all our clients and where possible we are always available by phone and will respond to your email within 24 hours. As a full-service law firm, we can also provide advice on other commercial matters such as contracts and dispute resolution.

We will leave no stone unturned when handling your commercial property transaction and matters. Each member of our team has the experience and resources available to ensure that every aspect of your lease agreement or development strategy that requires attention will be spotted, brought to the fore, and managed. You can trust us to provide the commercially-astute advice you need to protect your interests.

Our Solicitors are businesspeople themselves; therefore, we understand that every decision you make must encompass commercial reality. We receive most of our instructions via word-of-mouth recommendations because property investors, business owners, and developers in Nottingham and the surrounding areas know that we have the knowledge and dedication required to ensure every legal aspect of their commercial property matter is meticulously taken care of. We are focused on results and achieving them in the swiftest, most cost-effective way possible.

Our Commercial Property Solicitors will take care of your legal concerns so you can concentrate on your organisation’s or development project’s future growth and prosperity.