What should I do?
Fifteen common commercial landlord situations with plain-English action steps and the guides, tools and templates you need.
A break notice has been served (or I need to serve one)
Break clauses are strictly construed — one missed condition and the break fails. What to check before the date.
A lease is ending — do I renew or get possession?
Security of tenure under the 1954 Act, section 25/26 notices, and the grounds to oppose a renewal.
A dilapidations claim is in dispute
Interim vs terminal schedules, the section 18(1) diminution cap, and the Pre-Action Protocol timeline.
My property can't be let — the EPC is too low (MEES)
EPC E is the minimum to let commercially and has been since April 2023. F/G is unlettable without a registered exemption.
My business rates bill looks too high
The Check, Challenge, Appeal route through the VOA, the evidence you need, and the deadlines at each stage.
Empty-rates on a void are mounting
The rate-free window (3 months, 6 for industrial), what triggers full liability, and the legitimate reliefs.
My tenant is in arrears
Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR), the 14-day enforcement notice, forfeiture, and drawing on the rent deposit.
My tenant has gone insolvent (CVA / administration)
What you can and can't do in each insolvency type, the moratorium, rent ranking, and pursuing guarantors.
A rent review is deadlocked
Independent expert vs arbitrator, backdating and interest, and where the upward-only ban stands (not yet in force).
A tenant is disputing the service charge
The RICS service charge code, what's recoverable, apportionment, and handling a challenge.
Should I forfeit the lease?
Peaceable re-entry vs court, the section 146 notice, the ever-present waiver trap, and relief from forfeiture.
I want to change the use or redevelop
Class E flexibility, when planning is needed, and opposing a renewal on the redevelopment ground (f).
Should I sell, hold, or refinance?
Net sale proceeds vs capitalised income, sale-and-leaseback to release equity, and the tax on each route.
Should I opt to tax for VAT?
Recovering input VAT vs deterring exempt tenants, the 20-year commitment, and the TOGC interaction on a sale.
I've had a fire-safety remediation demand
How the Building Safety Act applies to commercial vs mixed-use, responsible-person duties, and cost apportionment.
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