Associated Services

Deciding whether to use or agree to a lease or a licence is an important decision. There are important differences, differences Dunn & Baker Solicitors can advise you on.

Should you choose a licence or a lease? The answer rather depends. Features to be clear about include the presence of regular periodic payments and a specific end-date to the agreement. There are benefits and obligations to both. Being clear on what these are beforehand is important. Sign the wrong agreement and you may find your rights are not protected or your business is affected.

One of the key elements of a lease (as opposed to licence) is exclusive possession. A person has exclusive possession if it can exercise the rights of the landowner and exclude both the landlord and third parties from the land (except to the extent that the landlord has reserved rights of entry, for example to carry out works).

Possession is not the same as occupation: a tenant may have possession by virtue of being able to receive the rents and profits of the land (reflecting the right of ownership) but the person in occupation could be the undertenant to whom the tenant has granted an underlease.

Just because you might call the agreement to occupy a “licence” does not mean that it is a licence. A lease may still come into existence, notwithstanding the express terms of the contract, if exclusive possession is granted. The consequences of a business lease coming into existence when it is not intended are that the tenant may acquire security of tenure and it will be difficult to get him/her out.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors advise business Landlords and Tenants on setting up the right agreement for them. Drafting a lease or a licence, explaining the terms, obligations and liabilities is done free from legal jargon. Our legal experts work with you, deal with any problems and make sure costs, timescales, and likely outcomes are clear. If your licence or lease needs to be amended, or it is time for renewal, we can help you do this as well.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors can help businesses to buy or sell their commercial property. There are many issues to consider, we can make sure you understand every one.

There are a number of issues to consider when buying or selling property. Preparation of a sale contract, negotiating and agreeing terms, searches on the property and funding all take time. It is a major financial decision to take. Taking time to find the best legal advice may be crucial in securing a great deal, not just a good one.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors work with many business owners, advising them on their commercial property needs. We help you prepare. As your property advisor, we ensure you understand any agreements. We carry out work on your behalf, such as searches, keeping you informed throughout. If we need to negotiate for you, we conduct this according to the outcomes you want to achieve. You will know likely costs, timescales, and any risks associated with the transaction. We make sure everything runs as smoothly as it can, right up until you complete.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors advise businesses who are looking to develop land or buildings. You can trust us to support you through the process of purchasing, setting up and then selling or letting your property.

Developing commercial property can be an involved process. Title investigation, estate set up for your individual plots or flats and then selling them on all require careful consideration to ensure each stage proceeds smoothly.

Helping businesses and individuals work towards a successful outcome is what Dunn & Baker Solicitors can do for you. We explain each stage of the process, likely timescales, and costs. Everything is discussed in plain English so you always know and understand what is happening. We will deal with any questions promptly. The legal experts in our commercial property team have decades of experience and with their knowledge, it means your development is in good hands.