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Commercial Property Let

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Hi,

I am looking to rent a small business unit and have been in discussions with the landlord.

We have agreed the general terms for the lease at which point he asked me to submit a Note of Interest on the property.

I had assumed once we agreed the terms he would have his lawyer adapt a fairly standard template, he'd send it to me, and that would be that.  
Is this normal procedure?  It hadn't entered my head id need a solicitor!  doh!

This is for a 5 year lease on a small shop unit, in a very small village with a rental of around £600 per month.  Its in Scotland if that is important for relevant law.

Any help would be apppreciated.

Comments

  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Posts: 13,530 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Unless you know how the Scottish Landlord and Tenant Acts for commercial tenants work you need legal representation.

    It may also be wise to get a commercial property agent to look at the property and ensure the lease terms and rental represent good value.
  • martindow
    martindow Posts: 10,566 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    There is no legal protection from unfair terms for commercial contracts.  As daveyjp says it is essential that you get professional advice. 
    Some contracts contain onerous clauses meaning that tenants have to pay for maintenance and repairs to the building for instance.  It is quite normal for there to be negotiations to alter the wording of a contract so that both sides are happy with the terms.
  • Jeremy535897
    Jeremy535897 Posts: 10,733 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    There is no legal protection from unfair terms for commercial contracts.

    Not entirely true. See for example the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977:

    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/50

  • Thanks guys,

    I will make contact with a solicitor on monday.

    any idea what a solicitor might charge for such a transaction?  a ball park figure would be great to give me an idea if they are charging fairly.
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