Our commercial lease solicitors for new business help first-time tenants and new companies secure safe, flexible premises across England and Wales. We review heads of terms, negotiate rent free periods and break clauses, explain every clause in plain English, and make sure you never sign a new business lease you cannot exit. Get a fixed fee quote before we begin.
10+ years
advising new businesses and first-time commercial tenants
5.0 Rated
Yes. A new business lease is a long term, legally binding commitment, often for several years, and the small print can cost you far more than the legal fees. A commercial lease lawyer spot checks the clauses that first-time tenants routinely miss, negotiates better terms, and makes sure you understand your rights before you sign.
In short: because a commercial lease usually comes with repairs, service charges, rent review and break conditions, getting a solicitor early protects your deposit, your liability and your ability to grow or leave. See do I need a solicitor for a commercial lease for a fuller answer.
We read the offer document and flag anything that traps you later.
Rent free periods, break clauses, repair limits and service charge caps.
So you know exactly what you are signing, from day one.
From rent reviews to assignment and exit, our lawyers stay on your side.
New businesses rent many types of space. Our solicitors advise on all of them, whatever your sector.
Shops and boutiques with permitted use, opening obligations and signage rules.
Shops lease solicitorsFrom a first office to serviced space, with break and flexibility in mind.
Office lease solicitorsWarehouses and workshops with power, access and repair considerations.
Warehouse lease solicitorsCafes, restaurants and takeaways with use class and extraction rules.
Cafe lease solicitorsStart with our what is a commercial lease guide, compare a lease versus a licence to occupy, and read the difference between a business tenancy and a commercial lease. A quick call with our new business lease solicitors will tell you which option fits.
Our commercial lease lawyers guide new businesses through every stage of the transaction, from the first offer to the final signature.
We review and negotiate the heads of terms before anything is fixed in the full lease, so you agree the right basics early.
Heads of terms adviceWe negotiate commercial lease terms that protect a new business, covering rent, repairs, alienation and renewal.
Negotiating lease termsOur lawyers read the full draft and flag the clauses that trip up first-time tenants before you sign.
Lease review serviceMost new tenants can secure a rent free period. We help you push for the strongest incentive and protect the tax position.
Rent free period adviceA protected break gives a growing business a way to leave if the space stops fitting. We negotiate and later exercise it for you.
Break clause adviceWe advise on whether to contract out under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and what that means for your renewal rights.
1954 Act adviceThese are the terms a commercial lease lawyer reviews first for any new business. Each one can cost money later if it is missed.
Tip: work through our 30 point first commercial lease checklist before you sign anything. It is written for first-time tenants just like you.
| Clause | What to watch | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rent review | How and when rent rises | Can add cost mid-term |
| Repairing obligations | What you must repair | Full repairing leases are costly |
| Service charge | Shared building costs | Caps protect your budget |
| Break clause | Your right to leave early | Flexibility for growth |
| Alienation | Assignment and subletting | Exit route if you outgrow |
| Permitted use | What you can run | Limits your business |
Here is exactly how our commercial lease solicitors guide a new business from enquiry to signing day.
Tell us about the premises. We confirm the scope, the fixed fee and the timeline before we start.
We review the offer, negotiate rent incentives, breaks and repairs, and flag anything risky early.
Our lawyers read the full lease, negotiate amendments and explain every clause in plain English.
We handle signing, registration and ongoing lease matters such as rent reviews and exits.
We charge fixed fees for most new business lease work, so you know the cost before we begin. The exact figure depends on the length and complexity of the lease and how much negotiation is needed. You can compare costs on our transparent legal fees page, or get a free, no obligation quote for your specific premises.
Cost is only part of it. Getting the terms right can save a new business thousands over the life of a lease, and protect you from being tied into a space you quickly outgrow.
First-time tenants often repeat the same five mistakes. Knowing them before you sign keeps your new business protected.
A lease is binding for years. Independent legal advice protects your deposit and liability.
You might inherit a huge repair bill. A solicitor negotiates repair limits and schedules of condition.
Miss a strict condition and you cannot leave. Our break clause solicitors help you stay eligible.
Directors often give guarantees. We advise on limiting the scope. Our lease guarantor solicitors help.
A 5 to 10 year lease can outgrow a young business. Negotiate a shorter term and protected break up front. See our guide to break clauses.
Direct answers from our commercial lease solicitors for new business, in the words first-time tenants actually ask.
Whether you are taking your first premises or moving into a bigger unit, our commercial lease lawyers give you honest, plain English advice and fixed fees. Book a free consultation and we will review your position with no obligation.
Free initial consultation available across England and Wales. Call 01582 415836 or email info@clsleasesolicitors.co.uk.