Lease renewals and dilapidations

The end of a lease — renewing it, or arguing about the state you left it in.

How we can help

Advising whether you have a statutory right to renew
Serving and responding to renewal and termination notices correctly
Negotiating the terms and rent of a new lease
Responding to schedules of dilapidations
Advising on the statutory cap limiting what a landlord can recover
Instructing surveyors and negotiating settlement

Your solicitor

Dean Smith

Dean SmithSolicitor

What happens next

Come to us at least a year before the term ends, not in the final weeks.
We advise on your rights, the notices required and the realistic outcome.
We negotiate the renewal or settle the dilapidations claim.

Fees for this work

Fixed fee for notices and initial advice. Negotiated renewals and dilapidations settlements are charged hourly with estimates.

Common questions

When should we start thinking about renewal?

A year before the term ends. The notice procedures have strict timescales, and a tenant who leaves it late loses negotiating position even where the right to renew exists.

The dilapidations schedule is enormous. Is it real?

Usually an opening position. What a landlord can recover is capped by reference to the actual reduction in the value of their interest — so if the building is being redeveloped, the recoverable sum may be minimal. These claims settle well below the sum first demanded far more often than not.

Can the landlord refuse to renew?

Only on specified statutory grounds, such as an intention to redevelop or to occupy the premises themselves. Some grounds carry compensation for the tenant. Which ground is relied on matters considerably.

What if we just hand the keys back?

Handing back keys does not end a lease or your liabilities, and can leave you paying rent on empty premises while also facing a dilapidations claim. Take advice on a proper surrender.

Tell us what's happened

Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.