Conveyancing & Property: Retail & Commercial Leases - Guides
Retail & Commercial Leases
10. Ending the Lease
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 29 Aug 2015
- Your lease agreement should specify what you need to do when it ends.
- With the exception of ordinary wear and tear the tenant will usually have to leave the premises in the same condition as at the start of the lease.
- Sometimes you may only be required to leave the premises empty, clean and secure.
- Depending on the terms of the lease you may be entitled to remove fixtures installed by you unless they are classified as trade fixtures. If in doubt speak with a lawyer. Our free Find a Lawyer directory may help put you in touch with the assistance you need.
- You may be required to remove your fixtures and fittings and pay for any damage as a result of removal such as repainting or reflooring.
- A landlord may be able to take payment in lieu of you returning the space to the condition it was in at the commencement of the lease. This is why it is a good idea to take notes and photographs of the shop premises before you sign a lease.
- Depending on the terms of the lease you may be required to return the space to a better condition than at the commencement of the lease.
- Your landlord can continue to charge you rent until all of your obligations and responsibilities under the lease are met. They may also be entitled to keep any items left in the space at the end of the lease.
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