This area covers issues that arise when a commercial tenant has left a premises, including surrender, dilapidations claims, and post-termination liabilities. A solicitor in this field helps landlords and former tenants navigate the consequences of lease expiry or termination, the drafting or negotiation of surrender agreements, and any claims for reinstatement or damage under the lease. They also handle matters such as rent arrears, security deposits, and pursuing or defending claims in the county court or properties-related processes. The work is shaped by the lease terms, the condition of the premises, and any interim arrangements made at surrender or vacating.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
The solicitor deals with the detailed covenants that survive surrender, including schedules of dilapidations, notices, and the assessment of any landlord liability. They draft or review surrenders, negotiate settlements, and coordinate evidence with surveyors, rent accounts, and the landlord’s representatives. They may also advise on remedies for non-payment of arrears, handling security deposits, and ensuring the landlord’s re-entry and future leasing position are protected through proper documentation and compliance with court procedures if disputes arise.
