Commercial Leasing

Expert Commercial Lease Solicitors for Landlords & Tenants

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Commercial Leasing at Woodstock Legal Services


A commercial lease is a long-term commitment that can have a major impact on your business, its costs and its flexibility. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, it’s important that the terms are clear, balanced and suited to how the property will actually be used day to day. Woodstock Legal Services advises landlords and tenants on commercial leases across England and Wales.


Our commercial property lawyers advise on new leases, heads of terms, lease renewals, assignments and sublettings, surrenders, licences to occupy, and security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who explains the key terms in plain English, negotiates on your behalf and helps you agree a lease that works for your business.


Advice for Tenants


Taking on a commercial lease is one of the biggest commitments a business can make. The terms affect your rent, your obligations and your ability to grow, move or exit in the future.


Our lawyers review the heads of terms and draft lease, explain the key provisions and negotiate improvements where appropriate. These include rent reviews, repairing obligations, service charges, break clauses, alterations and restrictions on use, assignment and subletting. We’ll also advise on your rights at the end of the lease, including whether you have security of tenure.


We aim to help you secure a lease that gives your business the flexibility and protection it needs.


Advice for Landlords


For landlords, a well-drafted lease protects the value of your investment, secures your rental income and sets out clear expectations for your tenant.


Our commercial property lawyers draft and negotiate leases that reflect your commercial objectives, covering rent, rent reviews, repairs, service charges, alterations and permitted use. We also advise on renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, contracting tenants out of security of tenure, and consents for assignment, subletting and alterations. We work closely with our property litigation team where disputes arise.


Whether you’re letting a single unit or managing a portfolio, we’ll help you protect your property and your income.

Get in Touch With Our Commercial Property Team

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Commercial Leasing FAQs

  • What are heads of terms?

    Heads of terms set out the main commercial terms agreed between a landlord and tenant, such as the rent, length of the lease, break clauses and repairing obligations, before the lease is drafted. They aren’t usually legally binding, but they form the basis of the lease. It’s worth taking advice at this stage, before key terms are agreed.

  • What is security of tenure?

    Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, many business tenants have the right to renew their lease when it ends, unless the landlord can prove a statutory ground for refusing. Landlords and tenants can agree to exclude this protection, known as “contracting out”, if the correct procedure is followed before the lease is signed.

  • How do break clauses work?

    A break clause allows the landlord, tenant or both to end the lease early on a set date, usually by giving notice. Break clauses often come with strict conditions, such as paying all rent due and giving vacant possession. Failing to meet them exactly can mean the break is invalid. We’ll advise on exercising a break correctly.

  • Can I assign or sublet my commercial lease?

    It depends on the terms of your lease. Most commercial leases allow assignment or subletting with the landlord’s consent, which usually can’t be unreasonably withheld, and may set conditions. The landlord may also require you to guarantee the incoming tenant’s obligations. We’ll review your lease and guide you through the process.

  • What is a full repairing lease?

    Under a full repairing and insuring (FRI) lease, the tenant is responsible for repairing the property and covering the cost of insurance, either directly or through the service charge. This can be a significant liability, especially in older buildings. A schedule of condition can limit your obligations, and we’ll advise on how to protect your position.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our commercial property solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re buying premises or negotiating a lease, your transaction gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Joined-Up Property Expertise

Our commercial property, property litigation and construction teams work closely together, so you get complete support across transactions, leases and disputes. That means commercially minded advice from one firm at every stage of your property’s life.