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 10 March 2026
We recently instructed Abbey Freeman at Rothera Bray to act on our behalf when buying our first house. As first time buyers, this was a completely whole new process to us and quite frankly a scary one too! However, throughout the whole process, from start to finish, Abbey and Luisa were brilliant. They are both extremely knowledgeable, approachable and quick to respond to any queries we had to ease our minds and point us in the right direction. We can’t thank both of you enough for your help and expertise throughout this process.
Carly-Jo Wakeling
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Posted 9 March 2026
David was great, always positive but realistic on what to expect. Would highly recommend anyone needing help or advice on divorce.
J.P.
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Posted 9 March 2026
Excellent service as always from Lucy and Karen, this will have been our 4th house purchase through Lucy and Rothera Bray, never let us down and always on time.
Jon Baird
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Posted 7 March 2026
We had the pleasure of using Rothera Bray to purchase our first home. Ellie Robinson was incredible from start to finish. Nothing was too much of an issue for Ellie and she kept us well informed during what is an extremely stressful time. Her communication was always prompt and she kept us updated every step of the way. Thank you Ellie
Olly Thompson
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Posted 6 March 2026
Had the pleasure of Ellie Robinson handling the purchase of our first home and could not be more grateful for the way she handled it all. Good communication and fast responses, updated us at every step of the way, due diligence during searches and enquiries and reporting to us thereafter. Very friendly yet professional and I would 100% recommend Ellie, she made the process as stress free as possible! Very huge thank you!!!
Chel S
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Posted 6 March 2026
Rothera Bray Solicitors Loughborough; On a number of occasions I have asked Nelissa Hicks (Partner) to be my legal representative, she delivers with professional conduct, is thorough in all matters and a great communicator. She gets things done in a timely manner and she is a very nice person. I highly recommend Nelissa & Rothera Bray Solicitors, Loughborough for their legal support & services.
Nigel Stewart
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Posted 6 March 2026
I’ve been using Rothera Bray for a number of years now. I really appreciated their professionalism following the death of my wife. Together we sorted out her estate and rearranged my powers of attorney to accommodate my altered circumstances. Now four years on from that I’ve taken the opportunity to update my Will. Once again Rothera Bray were a pleasure to deal with under the guidance of Nelissa Hicks who was able to make suggestions which helped enormously to assist my thought process. From my experience I would have no hesitation in recommending them and Nelissa Hicks for a professional, caring and successful outcome.
R.B Beck
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Posted 6 March 2026
Abbey was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process of helping us buy our house. From the very start she was incredibly responsive and supportive always just a call or message away whenever we needed her, and nothing was ever too much trouble. What really stood out was how quickly everything moved. We first got in contact on January 9th and we’re getting our keys on March 6th, which is incredibly fast for a house purchase. Abbey kept everything progressing smoothly and made what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and well managed. We’re so grateful for all her hard work and dedication. I would highly recommend Abbey to anyone looking for a solicitor, she’s professional, efficient, and genuinely cares about her clients.
Paris Statham
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Posted 5 March 2026
Just bought our first house with the help of Abbey, always keeping us in the loop, outlining things and making sure we understand everything. Would definitely recommend if you want to put your mind at ease, I was surprised at how stress free everything was having heard friends and families cases. Thanks Abbey!
Alex Woolley
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Posted 5 March 2026
We had a great experience with Russell explaining our current wills in layman’s terms and making suggestions for enhancements.
Kate
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Posted 5 March 2026
Natalie was fair, unbiased and honest. Professional throughout. Competitive pricing, good comms and scheduling. Very happy with the process and result. Highly recommend.
Tom Spooner
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Posted 4 March 2026
I recently used Sara at Rothera Bray to act for me on the sale of a property. The nature of the sale was complicated but Sara acted with great patience, always keeping me updated with frequent communication and expertise. I can't thank her enough. Highly recommended to you.
Ian Clay
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.
Marika Whiteman
Associate Solicitor
Marika Whiteman is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Loughborough office.
Amie Hardy
Solicitor
Amie Hardy is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Danielle Marshall
Solicitor
Danielle Marshall is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Sarah Payne
Solicitor
Sarah Payne is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Leicester office.
Katie Sampson
Trainee Solicitor
Katie Sampson is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Alison Gill
Paralegal
Alison is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
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