Commercial landlord threatening to evict.

[deepee]

Quite basic, we have been in commercial premises for 2x 3 years of a signed lease.

At the start, we reported a leaky roof. 6 years on, still leaks and Landlord cannot/will not fix.

We refused to sign the new lease until roof repairs were undertaken. We have paid rent in FULL 3 months if advance.

Our lease that has recently lapsed has a clause that says we are not legally obliged to sign a lease.

The Landlord does not have other tenants wanting to move in.

We see it simply as them trying to blackmail us to sign a lease to commercial premises that have a leaking roof that they will not fix?

Will they have any legal grounds to evict?

Thanks

 

[MOIC]

Tell the landlord that you will sign the lease on condition that the roof is fixed.

This is quite normal when agreeing a new lease.

You should read your existing lease to see who is responsible for the leaking roof.

It maybe that you have a clause saying you should pay for any repairs.

Without seeing the lease it's difficult for anybody to give you accurate advice.

What has your solicitor said about the situation?

 

[deepee]

The lease says we are responsible for general maintenance.

The Landlords specifically denied me access to the roof insisting that he does the repairs. He had a roofing contractor spray some foam type gunk all over the roof and this has caused water to 'well' all over the place causing further leaks.

A roofing specialist has said it is beyond economical repair now due to age and the sloppy repair attempt.

Roof replacement is the responsibility of the landlord in the lease.

 

[MOIC]

What has your solicitor said?

 

[deepee]

Not a lot really, I am still waiting for his replies. Solicitors take ages!!!

I am trying to pre-empt possibilities before speaking to him.