Does a commercial landlord need legal representation when negotiating a lease with a tenant?

Original Post:

N

NWH UK

Free Member
Feb 18, 2025
2
1
  • #1
    We are in the process of trying to sign a
    commercial lease (very much newbies to the world of retail and this is our first shop/commercial unit.)
    Our solicitor is saying that our landlord must seek legal representation in order for them to proceed in negotiating the lease. Our landlord is saying that this shouldn’t be necessary and he can deal with our solicitor directly.
    It’s an old fashioned lease apparently but not one with lots of points/comments to be addressed.
    We’re not sure which way to go!
    Could we find a solicitor who will speak to our landlord directly or is this not a thing?!
     
    Log in to reply
    Newchodge

    Newchodge

    Moderator
    • Business Listing
    Nov 8, 2012
    22,724
    8
    8,026
    Newcastle
  • #2
    NWH UK said:
    We are in the process of trying to sign a
    commercial lease (very much newbies to the world of retail and this is our first shop/commercial unit.)
    Our solicitor is saying that our landlord must seek legal representation in order for them to proceed in negotiating the lease. Our landlord is saying that this shouldn’t be necessary and he can deal with our solicitor directly.
    It’s an old fashioned lease apparently but not one with lots of points/comments to be addressed.
    We’re not sure which way to go!
    Could we find a solicitor who will speak to our landlord directly or is this not a thing?!
    Click to expand...
    The landlord is stupid in not having their own legal advice, but I cannot see why your solicitor should worry about their stupidity.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Lisa Thomas
    Upvote 0
    E

    eteb3

    Free Member
    • Jul 18, 2019
    1,554
    350
  • #4
    Newchodge said:
    The landlord is stupid in not having their own legal advice, but I cannot see why your solicitor should worry about their stupidity.
    Click to expand...
    If there’s any equitable interest involved then it would be for tenants’ own protection that the solicitor is insisting the LL has legal advice. Unusual, but common enough in some less common situations. (Eg, these are related parties somehow, or there’s a marital relationship somewhere in the mix).

    If they can’t say how it’s for your protection then fine, tell them you’ll look for a solicitor who cares less about your opponent’s interests.
     
    Upvote 0
    M

    Michael Loveridge

    Free Member
    Aug 2, 2013
    473
    2
    347
  • #5
    NWH UK said:
    Our solicitor is saying that our landlord must seek legal representation in order for them to proceed in negotiating the lease. Our landlord is saying that this shouldn’t be necessary and he can deal with our solicitor directly.
    Click to expand...
    Your solicitor is wrong, and your landlord is right. If your solicitor won't deal directly with the landlord find one who will.
     
    Upvote 0
    Log in to reply

    Latest Articles

    Join UK Business Forums for free business advice
    Top Bottom
    Community
    Articles
    Menu