Commercial Lease Solicitors — Scotland

Why Watermans?

Why should I choose Watermans when leasing a commercial property?

Our team of expert commercial property solicitors has extensive experience in letting retail, office, hospitality and industrial spaces. At Watermans, we are committed to guiding you through the complex commercial lease process.

We work with both landlords and tenants throughout the entire lifecycle of their lease agreement, offering commercial lease advice and support.

We specialise in all aspects of commercial property leases, including:

• Drafting and negotiating a new lease agreement
• Assigning an existing lease to a new tenant
• Advising on break clauses, service charges, and maintenance costs
• Renouncing leases and supporting lease terminations

Our team of commercial property lease solicitors provides straightforward and affordable legal services on a fixed fee basis, with no hidden costs.

Commercial Lease Services

For Tenants

At Watermans, we provide expert advice and assistance for all aspects of commercial lease matters, ensuring a seamless experience for both tenants and landlords. Our commercial property solicitors are here to help you navigate the complexities of taking on, managing, or ending a commercial lease agreement.

For Landlords

Whether you are a landlord looking to make the most of your commercial property investment or a business looking for advice on their tenancy agreement, our commercial lease solicitors are on hand to help you navigate your transactions and the most common types of challenges faced in the leasing process. We provide advice on tenant obligations, including maintenance costs and service charges, to safeguard your interests. As your commercial lease solicitors, we will draft your new lease, rent deposit agreement and personal guarantee to ensure you, as the Landlord, are protected.

We can also offer guidance and support in resolving and enforcing lease terms where necessary. If a lease term were to be enforced, we would offer you advice on how to proceed and write to the Tenant on your behalf, to ensure that all aspects of the lease are being complied with.

Taking on a Commercial Lease

When taking on a commercial lease, it is important to have the right legal support to avoid pitfalls and meet your business needs. Our commercial lease solicitors will guide you through the commercial lease process, handle all necessary paperwork, and ensure compliance with all regulated requirements.

At Watermans, we like to make things easy for you. Our comprehensive advisory and conveyancing service includes:

• Negotiating lease terms, including rental figures, length of lease, and break clauses
• Reporting on the proposed lease in language you can understand
• Conducting due diligence, including checking title deeds, as well as observing obligations and lease limitations
• Reviewing insurance and VAT requirements
• Seeking the EPC, asbestos and fire safety report and property enquiry certificates

Ending a Lease

If you wish to exit a lease, there are specific procedures you must follow. For example, there may be a break option within the lease which allows you to end the lease before the expiry date. The lease will outline the necessary steps, often requiring you to serve a formal notice to the landlord before a certain date to confirm your intention to exit.

At Watermans, our experienced commercial lease solicitors can draw up and serve the notice on your behalf. Failure to serve the notice correctly may result in the lease continuing beyond the break option date, leading to further legal matters.

Additionally, we can assist with a renunciation of the lease, a formal document signed by both parties to confirm that the lease has officially ended. From the tenant’s point of view, a renunciation is an extremely important document as it frees the tenant from any further obligations within the lease.

At Watermans, our expert solicitor for commercial lease services makes navigating this aspect of law straightforward and stress-free.

Assigning an Existing Lease

If you’re taking over the remaining term of an existing lease, known as a lease assignation, our commercial lease solicitors will:

• Ensure due diligence to find potential risks or costs involved
• Liaise with the landlord and solicitors to obtain consent and prepare the necessary documentation.
• Handle the legal fees, paperwork, and negotiations for a seamless, smooth commercial lease transfer

We can also act for the outgoing tenant in a Lease Assignation, that is the person selling or transferring the Lease.

Additional Services We Offer

At Watermans, we go beyond the basics to provide a complete package of commercial services, including:

• Advising on rent deposits and personal guarantees requested
• Assisting with licensing (e.g. for the sale of alcohol)
• Managing the contract (missive) between you and landlord
• Completing a Land and Buildings Transaction (LBTT) Return
• Registering your lease documents in the Books of Council and Session

How do I get started with leasing a commercial property?

If you are looking to lease a commercial property or require a legal service as a tenant, contact Watermans today.

With over 30 years of extensive knowledge and experience, our commercial lease lawyers will answer any questions you may have and discuss the commercial property leasing process from start to finish. We specialise in offering bespoke advice to meet your needs, delivering affordable fixed-fee services with no hidden costs.

In a complex property market with countless variables to consider, making informed decisions about your commercial property transaction is essential. At Watermans, our experienced commercial property team offers a free, no-obligation valuation, advising you on the potential value of your property and current market conditions.

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, dealing with an existing lease, or considering alternatives like a net lease where the tenant pays additional costs like business rates, our expert commercial lease solicitors are here to guide you.

Our lease solicitors provide personalised advice on navigating legal matters, such as resolving disputes and understanding solicitors’ charges.