Legal advice for corporate occupiers
Property decisions can have a significant impact on a business’s operations, costs and long-term plans. Our corporate occupier lawyers advise businesses on all aspects of their real estate requirements, from acquiring and fitting out new premises to managing existing lease portfolios, implementing exit strategies and resolving disputes.
We take time to understand each client’s operational objectives and commercial priorities. This enables us to provide practical, tailored advice that supports both immediate property requirements and longer-term business goals.
Commercial property advice throughout the occupation lifecycle
We support corporate occupiers at every stage of the property lifecycle. This includes site acquisition and disposal, agreements for lease, lease negotiations, renewals and terminations, rent reviews, fit-outs, assignments and underlettings.
Where a matter involves wider issues, our real estate lawyers work with colleagues across construction, planning and dispute resolution. We also coordinate with clients’ surveyors, fit-out contractors, consultants and project managers to provide a joined-up service.
How we can help
Site Acquisition and Disposal
We advise corporate occupiers acquiring and disposing of office, retail, industrial and mixed-use premises. Our work includes supporting relocation and expansion projects, negotiating acquisition documents and helping clients identify and manage the property issues that could affect their proposed occupation.
Where premises are to be developed or refurbished before occupation, we negotiate agreements for lease dealing with development conditions, landlord works and other obligations. We also advise on disposal strategies and the arrangements required to exit premises.
Lease Negotiation and Portfolio Management
We draft and negotiate commercial leases with a focus on each client’s operational requirements and commercial objectives. Our advice covers the principal financial and practical terms of occupation, as well as provisions governing use, alterations, repair, alienation and the sharing of premises.
For clients operating from multiple locations, we provide ongoing support with property portfolio management. We also advise on assignments, underlettings and other arrangements for sharing or transferring occupation.
Lease renewals, terminations and exit strategies
We advise occupiers approaching the end of a lease or considering an earlier exit from their premises. This includes lease renewals, terminations, assignments, underlettings, negotiated surrender arrangements and dilapidations.
We also advise on security of tenure and the rights and procedures arising under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. By considering the available options, including potential dilapidations liabilities, at an early stage, we help clients develop an exit or renewal strategy aligned with their wider property and business plans.
Rent Reviews and Occupancy Costs
We advise on rent reviews and other rent-related matters, including open-market and index-linked review provisions. Our lawyers work alongside clients and their surveyors to pursue practical and commercially appropriate outcomes.
We also advise on service charge issues and the wider costs associated with occupying commercial premises. This helps clients understand their potential liabilities and manage occupation costs across individual properties or a broader portfolio.
Fit-outs, development and refurbishment
We advise occupiers fitting out, altering or refurbishing commercial premises. Our involvement can begin with the agreement for lease and continue through the negotiation of lease provisions, landlord approvals and the documents governing the proposed works.
We can also provide construction and planning support where required. Working alongside fit-out contractors, consultants and project managers enables us to identify legal and practical issues and support the delivery of the client’s occupational requirements.
Assignments, underlettings and shared occupation
A business’s property requirements can change during the term of a lease. We advise occupiers wishing to assign a lease, underlet part or all of their premises, or put arrangements in place for shared occupation.
Our lawyers help clients understand the relevant lease restrictions and the steps required to obtain any necessary landlord consent. We approach these matters in the context of the client’s wider operational plans and proposed exit or portfolio strategy.
Regulatory and Risk Management
We help occupiers understand regulatory and risk-management issues affecting their premises and property portfolios. Our advice can include occupier compliance obligations, health and safety responsibilities, environmental standards and relevant ESG considerations.
By considering these matters alongside the terms of the lease and the practical use of the premises, we help clients identify risks and make informed real estate decisions.
Innovation occupiers
We advise Innovation businesses on their real estate needs, from acquiring and fitting out new premises to negotiating leases, managing property portfolios and planning for future growth. We understand the importance of aligning occupation arrangements with a business’s operational requirements, regulatory obligations and long-term commercial objectives.
Working closely with clients’ surveyors, consultants, project managers and fit-out contractors, we provide coordinated advice on lease terms, agreements for lease, development and refurbishment works, planning, construction and property disputes. Our practical, commercially focused approach helps Innovation occupiers manage risk while securing premises that support their evolving needs.