Need a commercial lease solicitor for your startup? We help early stage and scale-up businesses negotiate cost-effective, flexible office leases with protected break clauses, sensible rent free periods and a clear exit strategy, across England and Wales.
Acting for founders, co-working operators and funded scale-ups, our commercial lease lawyers review and negotiate your lease before you sign, so your next office deal supports growth instead of locking you in.
A commercial lease is one of the largest recurring costs a young company takes on. Our solicitors for startups review every clause with growth in mind, so you are not trapped by a rigid lease the moment your team or funding changes.
We negotiate rent, term, break clauses and incentives such as a rent free period or fit-out contribution, so your first or next office is affordable from day one.
From licensed offices to membership agreements, we check the small print of flexible workspace so your arrangement can grow, move or unwind when you need it to.
We secure and protect your break rights, so you always have a controlled exit if headcount drops, a round stalls or the market shifts.
We review rent free periods, rent reviews and service charges, and negotiate cash or fit-out contributions that protect your runway.
When you outgrow a space or need to move on, we handle assignment, surrender and subletting so you leave cleanly and protect your business credit.
We flag hidden liabilities in a draft lease, from repairing obligations to personal guarantees, before they become a problem for a young business.
Depending on your stage, a commercial lease solicitor is often the difference between a fit-out you can afford and a personal guarantee that keeps you up at night. Explore our first commercial lease checklist to see the traps founders miss.
We understand that a startup lease needs to flex as you do. Our approach is hands-on, transparent and priced for early stage budgets, and we explain every risk in plain English.
We talk through your growth plan first, then shape the lease around it.
You know the cost before we start, with pricing that suits an early stage business.
From negotiation and rent reviews to assignment and exit, we stay on your side.
We move at the pace a scaling company needs, without unnecessary delays.
"We advised a venture-backed SaaS startup on its first London office lease. By negotiating a shorter term, a protected break and a longer rent free period, we gave the founders the flexibility to scale headcount without being locked into a space they might outgrow."
Commercial Lease Specialists
Commercial lease solicitors for startups
A clear, structured process that protects your time, your budget and your negotiating position from heads of terms to completion.
We learn about your business, your premises needs and your timeline, then give clear next steps.
We negotiate rent, term, break clause, use and rent free period before any money is committed.
We flag risk, challenge onerous clauses and negotiate stronger terms with the landlord's solicitors.
We complete, register the lease and stay on hand for rent reviews, breaks and your future exit.
Not every startup needs a full commercial lease. We help you compare the options so you choose the right mix of cost, flexibility and legal protection for your stage.
| Arrangement | Typical term | Best suited for | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full commercial lease | 3 to 10 years | Scale-ups wanting a permanent, branded home | Longer commitment; break clause and assignment rights matter |
| License to occupy | Flexible / rolling | Early stage teams testing a footprint | No security of tenure; check exclusivity and notice terms |
| Serviced office agreement | Monthly to 3 years | Small teams needing plug-and-play space | Review service charges, breakout costs and auto-renewal |
| Sublease / assignment | Remaining head term | Growing teams taking over fitted space | Landlord consent and authorised guarantee agreements apply |
New to leases entirely? Start with what a commercial lease is and read our guide comparing a business tenancy vs a commercial lease. Many founders also weigh a commercial lease vs a licence to occupy before committing.
Straight answers to the questions founders ask our commercial lease solicitors most often, whether you are renting an office, a lab or a small retail unit.
Before you sign anything, work through our 30 point first commercial lease checklist. If you are raising or expanding, our lease term negotiation solicitors and commercial lease negotiation pages cover the tactics that win founders better terms. And for a bigger picture of what is changing, see commercial lease changes in 2026.
As your startup grows, you may also need advice on renewing a lease, resolving a property dispute or securing consent for a change of use. Our wider team covers the full lease lifecycle.
Secure renewed terms when your existing lease nears its end.
Resolve disputes over rent, service charge or repairs without derailing your company.
Get the right planning and lease consent to run your intended business.
Understand the hidden liabilities in a draft lease before you commit.
First-time tenant? Our solicitors guide new companies through their first commercial lease.
Negotiate rent concessions and incentives that protect your startup's runway.
Get a free, no obligation call with one of our team and a fixed fee quote that fits an early stage budget.
Speak to us todayWhether you are choosing your first office, negotiating heads of terms or weighing up a lease exit, a short call with one of our solicitors will tell you where you stand. We provide a free initial consultation to startups across England and Wales.
Call us
01582 415836
Mon to Fri, 9am to 5:30pm
Email us
info@commercialleasespecialists.co.uk
Coverage
Phone and video advice across England and Wales
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Read our frequently asked questions or browse our full range of services for more on how we support businesses like yours.
Tell us a little about your startup and your premises, and we will come back to you promptly.