Professional Services Rent reviews: Rent reviews take place at the intervals agreed in the rent review clause(s) of a commercial lease. Rent reviews typically occur every three to five years, a frequency reflecting the general shortening of lease lengths in recent times. Traditionally, commercial leases in the UK were granted for twenty years or more. Rent review clauses were introduced to combat high inflation levels after World War II, and up until the 1960s reviews were at seven or fourteen year intervals. Shorter leases of between ten and fifteen years are now more popular with landlords and tenants. When the time arises for a rent review on a property, it takes a wealth of experience and knowledge to negotiate a favourable lease renewal. Poorly conducted rent reviews can lead to financial loss, stalemate in agreeing new rents, and even termination of the lease. The team at Goldstein Leigh have been assisting their clients for nearly half a century, acting on behalf of both landlords and tenants in relation to rent reviews. We advise our clients on the validity of any notices that may have been served on them, and the effect of any improvements made to the property by the landlord or tenant, as well as dilapidation. In all the works that Goldstein Leigh carries out, the client’s objectives are always paramount. To discuss your rent review or lease renewal, please be in contact with one of the team at Goldstein Leigh.
Business rates: Business rates (also known as national non-domestic rates) are a tax on business properties. The tax is set by the government and business rates are collected by the local authorities. The rate-able value is reassessed every five to seven years; this can have a major impact on a business’s profitability. Goldstein Leigh provides its clients with a specialist and comprehensive rating service that embraces the entire matter, submitting the appeal and undertaking negotiations with the Valuation Office Agency on the client’s behalf. Although every business is entitled to appeal against a rates reassessment, making the decision to do so requires considerable knowledge and skill, because an appeal can result in the rate-able value being increased as well as decreased. It is for this reason that it is crucial to instruct a reputable firm when appraising and choosing to challenge the current rates on a commercial property. To discuss how we can reduce your current business rates, please call one of the rating specialists at Goldstein Leigh.
Structural surveys and condition reports: Our structural surveyors provide specialist services including dilapidation, landlord and tenant dispute resolution, and in-depth structural surveys. We provide our clients with all the necessary information and we understand that often, time is of the essence, and we are able to work to tight deadlines.
Goldstein Leigh look after its clients throughout the tenancy; for this reason we want to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the end of their tenancy before they even start. Prior to entering into a commercial lease it is imperative that a schedule of condition is drawn up. A professional schedule would include photographs and text to providing an accurate record of the condition of the property at lease commencement. The content of the document is normally agreed between the landlord and tenant, and a copy of this, signed by both parties, is appended to the lease. It is important that the document is properly prepared by a suitably qualified individual. The relative cost is insignificant when compared to the potential cost of a substantial dilapidation claim at lease expiry. For professional surveys and condition reports, please be in contact with
Goldstein Leigh.
Legal certification: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are energy surveys that determine how energy efficient a building or commercial premises is. The ratings on a commercial EPC start from G (least energy efficient), going up to an A for the most energy efficient building possible. Since the 1st of October 2008, all non-domestic buildings for construction, sale and rent require a Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (NDEPC) and a Recommendation Report (RR). This information helps owners and occupiers make their building more energy efficient and allow potential buyers and tenants to compare the energy performance of different buildings. From April 2018, the proposed legislative changes would make it unlawful to let commercial properties with an EPC Rating of F or G. It is estimated that approximately 20% of non-domestic properties could be in the F and G rating brackets. Please contact Goldstein Leigh
