Commercial Tenancy Dispute - Our Panel of Solicitors

What is a commercial tenancy dispute?

A commercial tenancy dispute refers to a conflict or disagreement between a landlord and a tenant involving a commercial property. Commercial leases and properties are those used for business premises, such as offices, retail spaces, warehouses, or industrial facilities.

Resolving these disputes often involves negotiation, mediation, or, in more severe cases, legal action such as arbitration court action.

At Expert Commercial Law, we have access to an experienced panel of commercial tenancy dispute solicitors who are able to assist you in your case. They provide specialist commercial property dispute legal advice to help save you time and money in the long run. Please get in touch today if you would like more information. 

Types of commercial tenancy disputes

Commercial lease disputes can encompass a variety of issues that arise between landlords and commercial tenants. Some of the common types of disputes include:

Rent-related disputes: 

These can involve disputes over the amount of rent, rent increases, late payments, or disagreements about the method and frequency of payment. Landlords may require assistance to recover rent from tenants. Specialist commercial tenancy dispute solicitors are experts in commercial rent arrears recovery. 

Lease agreement violations/Breach of covenant: 

Landlord and tenant disputes can arise when either party (commercial landlord or tenant) breaches the terms of the lease agreement.

For instance, a tenant might make alterations to the property without permission, or a landlord might fail to fulfil obligations, such as providing necessary repairs or maintenance.

Repairs and maintenance: 

Disputes often occur regarding who is responsible for specific repairs and maintenance within the property. This can include disagreements over the property’s condition and who should cover the associated costs.

Subletting or assignment: 

Conflicts might arise when a tenant tries to sublet the property or assign the lease to another party without proper consent from the landlord or if the landlord unreasonably refuses consent.

Service charge disputes and utilities: 

Disputes can emerge concerning the provision or payment of utilities and services within the property. This might involve disagreements over who should pay for what services or utilities.

Breach of quiet enjoyment: 

This refers to landlord and tenant matters where the tenant’s ability to use the property without disturbance is disrupted, possibly due to actions or negligence by the landlord or other tenants.

Illegal use or alterations: 

Conflicts might arise if the tenant uses the property for an illegal purpose or makes unauthorised alterations to the property.

How to resolve commercial tenancy disputes

Resolving a commercial tenancy dispute can be a complex process, but several steps can help in finding an amicable resolution, including the following:

Reviewing the lease agreement: 

Both the landlord and tenant should carefully review the lease agreement to understand their rights and responsibilities. This document outlines the terms and conditions to which both parties have agreed.

Open communication: 

Open a dialogue between the parties involved. Discuss the issues causing the dispute in a calm and professional manner. Often, misunderstandings can be resolved through communication.

Negotiation and mediation: 

Attempt to negotiate a resolution. This might involve compromise on both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation involving a neutral third party can be an effective way to facilitate discussions and find common ground.

Legal consultation:

If negotiations and mediation do not resolve the issue, seeking legal advice from a lawyer specialising in commercial properties can be helpful. They can offer guidance on legal rights, potential legal actions, and the best way to proceed.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): 

Consider alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration or expert determination. These methods can offer a more structured approach to resolving disputes outside of the court system.

Document everything:

Keep records of all communications, including emails, letters, and notes from meetings. Having a paper trail can be important if the dispute escalates and legal action is necessary.

Professional property inspection:

If the dispute is about the condition of the property, consider hiring a professional inspector or surveyor. Their unbiased assessment might provide clarity regarding the property’s condition.

Consider termination or renegotiation:

If the dispute remains unresolved and there’s no other way forward, consider the option of terminating the lease or renegotiating its terms.

Court Proceedings: 

If all other options fail, taking the matter to court might be necessary. However, commercial property litigation can be costly and time-consuming. It’s generally considered a last resort.

Resolving a commercial tenancy dispute often requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to work towards a resolution. The best approach may vary based on the specifics of the situation. It is essential to carefully assess the circumstances and seek appropriate advice to find the most suitable resolution.

Tips to avoid disputes

Avoiding commercial tenancy disputes involves proactive measures and clear communication between the landlord and tenant.

Ensure the lease agreement is detailed, covering all essential aspects. These aspects should include rent, maintenance responsibilities, permitted use of the property, and any specific rules or regulations. This helps to minimise misunderstandings.

Additionally, regular inspections of the property should be carried out to ensure that both parties are meeting their obligations as outlined in the lease agreement. This helps identify and address potential problems before they escalate. The landlord should promptly address maintenance issues, and the tenant should report any problems immediately. Timely maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Both landlord and tenants should be open to negotiation and compromise. If there are potential issues, try to find solutions that work for both parties.

Why choose Expert Commercial Law?

If you have a commercial tenancy property dispute, you may wish to take legal action.

Our panel of expert solicitors have many years of experience in a wide range of commercial disputes and can offer cost-effective solutions to suit your needs. 

Parties may also seek guidance from property experts, surveyors, and legal professionals specialising in property law to help them navigate and resolve these disputes effectively.

Commercial property disputes can be difficult and time-consuming to resolve on your own. Expert Commercial Law has a panel of property litigation solicitors on hand to provide you with specialist legal advice and assistance.

All of the solicitors on our panel have the experience and expertise required to take on your case. We only select the best in the business. All of our solicitor firms are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and offer a range of funding options for your case.

We are not a firm of solicitors. However, we have a panel of commercial law solicitors. If you contact us in relation to a commercial law case, we will pass your case on to a panel firm.