Commercial Leases Solicitor
Commercial property leases
Commercial property leases can be of benefit to both landlords and tenants. However, negotiating the terms of a lease to ensure it is balanced and satisfies the needs of both parties can be tricky.
The support of a commercial property solicitor can make this process easier.
We have a wealth of experience assisting both landlords and tenants with commercial property leases. With experience in working for both sides to avoid disputes through dispute resolution and concerns regarding the terms of the lease.
Whether you are a:
- landlord looking to ensure that your commercial property is kept in good condition, or
- a tenant concerned about various restrictions in the lease affecting how you run your business
our expert commercial property team will work with you, listening to your wishes and helping to get the right terms in place.
Do you have to use a solicitor for a commercial lease?
From a legal perspective, you are not required to use a solicitor.
However, it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a solicitor when entering into a commercial lease. This is because a commercial property lease may include terms and covenants that could make operating your business difficult.
A commercial property solicitor has the experience to spot terms and covenants that could impact your business. They also have the ability to negotiate the terms of the lease so that they are more favourable to your business needs.
Examples of some commercial property lease terms that we can negotiate:
Repairs
Tenants are often imposed by their lease to be responsible for repairs. We can negotiate so that this term is weaker so that the Landlord also shares some responsibility.
Alterations
You may need to carry out some non-structural alterations to adapt a property for your business needs. Leases sometimes carry terms that make this process complex and inefficient by requiring the landlord to sign off. Negotiations can eliminate or weaken this term to prevent delays in having your business ready to operate.
Signage
Some leases require the landlord to approve any signage installed on the property. As a business, you may already have set brand colours, logos and identity. If the landlord refuses to consent to your signage, this can have a serious impact on your business. Through negotiations, this term can be removed.
What does a commercial lease lawyer do?
Commercial lease lawyers create property leases between tenants and landlords. The leases they create contain all the terms and clauses that both a tenant and a landlord will have to abide by.
Through negotiation and dispute resolution they mediate differences to make a lease favourable to both parties.
Finally, a commercial lease lawyer can also assist and provide legal advice for when leases are broken by either the tenant or landlord.
Who pays the legal fees for a commercial lease?
There is no standard process of who should pay for the legal fees for a commercial lease. However, usually, the tenant is responsible for covering the cost of the lease. This is because landlords normally have a standard template lease ready to use and it is the tenant that is looking to amend the document and terms.
However, both parties should seek out separate legal representation either during the negotiation or, at the very minimum, before signing any commercial property lease.
This helps ensure that you are signing a contract that is legal and represents your best interests.
Why use Rothera Bray for legal advice on commercial property leases?
Whether you are a landlord or business tenant, we can act for you. With experience in a wide variety of sectors and industries, we can understand the particular nuances that may come with your property.
Identifying your objectives and what would work best for you is always our first priority. We will then work to secure these and the best possible terms for you and your business.
- Struggling to meet the terms of your lease? Whether you’re a landlord or tenant we can provide expert legal advice on where you stand.
- Drafting and negotiation of lease agreements along with legal advice on the heads of terms prior to the drafting of the contract.
- Expert legal advice on lease renewals, extensions, assignments and variations. This includes reviewing existing unfair and escalating ground rent provisions and any other undesirable lease terms.
- Legal advice on any disputes arising between Landlord and Tenant regarding the terms of the lease.
Related services from Rothera Bray:
- Lease renewals
- Lease extensions
- Lease assignments, sub-lettings, underlettings and variations
- Service charges
- Break clauses
- Rent reviews
- Termination of leases
- Insurance
- Recovery of possession
- Personal guarantees
- Responsibility for repairs
Send us a message
“Solicitors experienced in commercial property leases are essential to ensure that your business won’t face problems in the future.”
Russell Thompson
Commercial Property Partner
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Posted 18 November 2025
Thank you, I was very impressed with the service you provided. The communication with me was very efficient at all stages of the process and you answered any questions I had.
Agnes
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Posted 18 November 2025
Throughout the process I dealt with a number of people as the claim was a lengthy process, all of which were both professional and understanding. I was kept up to date throughout the entire process including any cost increases and whenever anyone would be out of office. I would use Rothera Bray again.
Kirsten
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Posted 17 November 2025
We have recently used Richard, Rebecca and Ed to deal with the will and trust left by my later father in law. It was complicated and lengthy but the service they provided was excellent. Without their help and advice, we would have given up. So glad it's all over now and we are so grateful for all the effort and hard work they have put in to get it all sorted. Thanks Richard, Rebecca and Ed.
L O'Neill
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Posted 17 November 2025
I felt all staff were the best of the best and that was all I could ask for. Jackie was extremely very thorough and explained everything clearly at each stage.
J James
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Posted 15 November 2025
Fantastic experience selling and buying a property with Rothera Bray. Abbey Freeman was fantastic throughout the whole process and I will definitely ask for her again if we ever are to sell again. Great service.
Chris L
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Posted 14 November 2025
Very professional service. Prompt replies from Jo Clarke and Nirvair to any queries. Will be using their services again.
Tony Ellis
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Posted 14 November 2025
Abbey Freeman is very professional also kept me in formed through out this difficult house move. I would definitely recommend this Rothera Bray and also Abbey.
Lisa L
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Posted 13 November 2025
Emily was really good and helped last minute but nothing was too much trouble . She did a fantastic job wouldn't hesitate if I needed a solicitor again. 5 star service.
Laura
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Posted 12 November 2025
I recently engaged Ewan Paton from Rothera Bray – he was approachable, professional, and genuinely understanding throughout a difficult time. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and always made me feel at ease. His calm and practical approach gave me great confidence, and I couldn’t have asked for better support. I’d highly recommend Ewan to anyone needing reliable and compassionate legal advice.
Mr Morrison
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Posted 12 November 2025
I was with another firm but as soon as I seen the reviews on this firm I changed to this firm. I cannot recommend this firm enough. I have had Gabriella and Hannah working on my case they are a credit to this firm also informing me on my case. Raising any issues immediately. Very polite and professional. I would recommend anyone using this firm.
Hannah
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Posted 12 November 2025
Brilliant solicitors, very quick with responding to emails too, and helping with any questions you may have. I used Rothera Bray to buy my house, and honestly I can 100% recommend them. Very fast, professional! I would and will use them again in future. Thank you so much.
Anna C
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Posted 11 November 2025
I can’t thank the team enough for everything they’ve done for me and my children. From start to finish, the whole company have been absolutely brilliant — always putting our needs and wishes first and supporting us every step of the way. Their communication, care, and understanding have been second to none. A special mention has to go to Emily, who is truly one in a million. She went above and beyond to make sure I felt heard, reassured, and fully supported throughout what was one of the most difficult times in my life. I’d highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a solicitor who genuinely cares about both you and your family. Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done.
Nathan
Catherine Angrave
Partner & Head of Commercial Property
Catherine deals with all types of commercial property work and has acquired substantial experience in acting for residential property developer clients in the acquisition and disposal of development land. She’s based at our Leicester office.
Antony Fyson
Partner
Antony Fyson is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Lace Market office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial property, property development and conveyancing matters.
Phillip Heseltine
Partner
Phillip has specialised in Commercial Property Law since 1997. He deals with sale and purchases of investment property and investment portfolios, but also the sale and acquisition of development land.
Russell Thompson
Partner & Head of Licensing
Russell Thompson is a Partner in the Commercial Property department at Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our Lace Market office.
David Tomlinson
Partner, Commercial Property
David is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Derby office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial and commercial property matters.
Marneya Chauhan
Senior Associate Solicitor
Marneya is a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Commercial Property department based at our Leicester office. He acts for commercial property lenders, property investors and landowners. He’s based at our Leicester city centre office.
Amy Moore
Senior Associate Solicitor
Amy is part of our busy Commercial Property team at our Leicester city centre office. She specialises in commercial leases, renewal leases, and acts on behalf of pension schemes in relation to purchases, sales and lease aspects.
James Gray
Associate Solicitor
James is based at our Spa Place, Leicester office within the Commercial Property team. James’ specialisms include advising on all areas of freehold and leasehold commercial, agricultural and (aspects of) residential property.
Amie Hardy
Solicitor
Amie Hardy is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Sabita Kandel
Trainee Solicitor
Sabita Kandel is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Leicester office.
Alison Gill
Paralegal
Alison is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Katie Sampson
Paralegal
Katie Sampson is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Meet our newly qualified solicitors
We’re delighted that nine of our talented trainees and chartered legal executives have officially qualified as solicitors and are continuing their legal careers with us here.
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