Why a Licence to Alter is Important at Rent Review
Not all properties are let in pristine condition, and many tenants will want to make changes so a space better fits their needs. When it comes to altering a leasehold commercial property, it’s crucial that any work is covered by a Licence to Alter. This written agreement from the landlord...
Upward-Only Rent Reviews Banned: What the New Law Means for Commercial Landlords and Tenants
On 29th April 2026 Parliament effectively ruled that Upward‑only rent review provisions will become unlawful for new and renewal commercial leases following Royal Assent of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. However the implementation of the new provision is unlikely to become effective until at least 2027. This...
Closing Your Premises Before a Lease Expiry: What Are Your Options?
If your business has ceased trading, but your lease continues – the costs don’t stop. Tenants are typically still responsible for rent, rates, insurance, service charges and other outgoings until the lease ends. There is rarely a simple exit however, there are various options that may reduce or transfer liability,...
‘Why Do I Need A Surveyor To Act For Me – I Can Do It Myself’
Finding the perfect new retail or leisure unit for your business isn’t as simple as spotting a “To Let” sign and signing on the dotted line. In the high-stakes world of commercial property, the space you choose, and the deal you strike – can be the difference between a thriving...
Acquiring Office, Lab or Industrial Space? How a Professional Advisor Can Save You Time and Cost
For many firms, business space occupational costs are often one of the largest operational liabilities. Business occupiers who retain a commercial property advisor to help them co-ordinate and manage their acquisition of new office, lab or industrial space will often save substantial time, resource, and cost. Occupiers who take expert...
Service Charges and the Updated RICS Professional Standard
The second edition of the RICS Service Charges in Commercial Property professional standard comes into force for RICS-accredited professionals from December 31, 2025. The aim is to bring greater clarity and consistency to how service charges for commercial property are managed, charged and reported. It’s worth underlining that the wording...
What is a Calderbank Offer?
If your advisor recommends serving a Calderbank Offer – or if you’ve received one during the course of rent review or lease renewal negotiations, here’s what you need to know. A Calderbank Offer is a formal settlement proposal made ‘without prejudice save as to costs.’ This means it’s not shown...
ESG and Office Space: Key Considerations for Landlords and Tenants
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become steadily more influential in the office space market over recent years. Many occupiers now consider ESG factors amongst their key criteria when selecting new space. ESG factors continue to influence priorities and relationships between landlords and tenants in a multitude of ways,...
Case Law Update: Lease Interpretation and Licence or Lease – Key Lessons for Landlords and Tenants
As a property and asset manager, we monitor developments in property case law to keep up to date on legal changes which may impact on our clients’ property interests. Two recent cases caught our eye highlight important considerations around lease interpretation and the distinction between leases and licences. HLS Leisure...
From Oversights to Liabilities: Common Pitfalls of Self-Management
If one of your commercial tenants was impacting the value of your investment – perhaps by subletting to a subtenant with an inferior covenant or making unauthorised alterations – would you know? How quickly would you find out? Would you be able to take swift and effective action to enforce...
Unlocking the Commercial Potential of Historic Buildings
Historic buildings can provide a unique and characterful home for a business. Often – and particularly in smaller towns across the Thames Valley – they are conveniently located in attractive central locations. With sympathetic adaptation they can provide an exceptional setting for small offices, shops, lifestyle businesses or cafes. There...
How To Handle Access and Oversailing Issues with Neighbouring Properties
Maintaining a commercial property – particularly in more densely populated urban areas, can create access issues with neighbours. There may be no practical, safe or cost-effective way to carry out works without accessing a neighbouring property or oversailing with a crane or scaffolding. It helps if you understand your legal...
Law Commission’s Interim Statement signals direction of Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Reform
In late 2024 the Law Commission published their first consultation on their review of Part 2 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. The consultation sought feedback on several models for business tenancies ranging from mandatory protection of all leases to full abolition of the Act. The British Property Federation...
How to Successfully invest in Retail Property in Uncertain Times
The global economy is currently front-page news and this tends to happen in periods of heightened uncertainty and risk, which influences everything from bond yields to interest rates and consumer confidence. All of these factors also have significant implications for the commercial retail property market. Uncertainty and volatility are elements...
Free Retail Property Surgery Sessions for Landlords & Tenants in Reading
Hicks Baker is pleased to offer a free 20-minute consultancy call to retail landlords and tenants in Reading. Whether you have questions about lease agreements, property management, market conditions, or any other commercial property concerns, our expert team is here to help. Who Can Benefit? Retail landlords in Reading looking...
