The Code For Leasing Business Premises & The Commercial Landlords Accreditation Scheme

Posted: Monday, 16 February 2009 @ 14:17

At a time when there are an ever increasing number of empty business premises, landlords need to adopt strategies for making their premises more attractive to prospective tenants.  Adopting the Code for Leasing Business Premises may be one such strategy.

The Code was set up as a voluntary framework to promote fairness between landlords and tenants of business premises.  It sets out 10 key areas where landlords must adopt good practice including repairs, service charges and rent reviews. 

Linked to the Code is the Commercial Landlords Accreditation Scheme.  Members of the Scheme are required to comply with the following five rules:

  • Inform prospective occupiers at the start of negotiations that they are scheme members, using the scheme postcard or making suitable alternative arrangements
  • Provide prospective small business tenants with some basic information that explains the risks and pitfalls when taking a commercial lease, specifically the Leasing Business Premises: Landlord Code 2007, Heads of Terms Checklist and Occupier Guide
  • Abide by the Leasing Business Premises: Landlord Code 2007
  • Communicate to the occupier if there are any Code requirements that the landlord is unable to fulfil, and explain to the occupier why this is the case
  • Supply prospective occupiers with their own written complaints procedure and a named contact who handles complaints. This must offer to deal with complaints within 28 days of receipt

If you are a landlord and have adopted the Code then please contact me to let me know how successful it has been.

Steve Petty, Commercial Property Solicitor

For free advice on this topic please call us on 0845 003 5639.

This blog is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to be a complete and authoritative statement of the law, and what we say might be out of date by the time you read it. You should always seek legal advice to confirm whether or how any information in this article applies to your particular situation. We offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your particular circumstances.

Comments

  • There are no comments for this page - click here to be the first

Need legal advice for your business? We can help

Directors

Directors
Practical advice and legal support for company owners and directors.

Disputes

Disputes
In dispute with a customer or supplier? Get practical advice and support.

Your legal advisor

Your legal advisor
Board level legal advice without the costs of an in-house lawyer.

Speak to a lawyer

Speak to a lawyer
Cousins Business Law excels at demystifying potentially complex legal areas for small business owners
Simon Moore, MD Moore News Ltd

Get legal updates

Enter your email address to receive our monthly Blog Newsletter


We will keep your email safe in accordance with our privacy policy.

Get the FREE definitive guide to solving business disputes

Posts by author

Speak to a lawyer

Get legal updates

Enter your email address to receive our monthly Blog Newsletter
The Law Society
Top