Commercial landlord wants to block one of my doors

[Mac123]

Hi all,
We are renting a small ground floor unit in a business centre, since June this year, 18 months left on lease. Our front door entrance, which the landlord created for us, leads onto the street. Our side door (already there and in use) opens out on to a path in the internal area behind gates, with carpark and access to the main building; toilet, running water.

The landlord wants to block this side door for health and safety, as this path will soon be used as a walkway to a new business across the carpark, and this door opens outward, potentially knocking into someone walking on this narrow common path. This means to access toilet and water we would go out front door onto street path, type combination to open big gate then enter main building (which already has 2 doors with number locks to get to bathroom).

We need good access to wash hands as we are a workshop. Is blocking one door contravening our 'quiet enjoyment right - to possess and use the property? Also we enter and leave by this side door inside the main gates for security, rather than the exposed front door. Thanks for reading, I need fast advice please.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Hi all,
We are renting a small ground floor unit in a business centre, since June this year, 18 months left on lease. Our front door entrance, which the landlord created for us, leads onto the street. Our side door (already there and in use) opens out on to a path in the internal area behind gates, with carpark and access to the main building; toilet, running water. The landlord wants to block this side door for health and safety, as this path will soon be used as a walkway to a new business across the carpark, and this door opens outward, potentially knocking into someone walking on this narrow common path. This means to access toilet and water we would go out front door onto street path, type combination to open big gate then enter main building (which already has 2 doors with number locks to get to bathroom). We need good access to wash hands as we are a workshop. Is blocking one door contravening our 'quiet enjoyment right - to possess and use the property? Also we enter and leave by this side door inside the main gates for security, rather than the exposed front door. Thanks for reading, I need fast advice please.

As he is instigating changes to the property which you originally agreed a contract on, he should be responsible for paying costs to maintain that property as it was. Why don't you recommend that he pay for the door to be modified to open inwards?

 

[Mac123]

Hi thanks v much, sensible solution. We will be discussing this option with him today. Would he have the right to block it completely though?

 

[mit74]

Shouldn't all premises have 2 exits in case of fire? If it's rental then the laws are very strict.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Why don't you recommend that he pay for the door to be modified to open inwards?

Can it be? Is it a fire exit?

 

[julie001]

There is likely to be a floorplan/description of the building attached to your lease. You and he both agreed to you renting the building as per that floorplan/description.

I can't see how he would be able to force you at a later date to change the layout of the building to suit him unless there is a clause in your lease that specifically reserves him the right to do so.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Can it be? Is it a fire exit?

Depends if it is a fire exit or not. OP, is there a fire exit sign above the door? Does it have an exidor push bar across it to open it? In the area outside the firedoor are there two bollards to stop vehicles blocking it?

If it is clearly a fire door then he cannot legally alter or block it as this would have been one of the requirements from building control when it was erected.

 

[Liybpg]

The easiest thing is to make the door open inwards. Believe me, you wouldn't want to knock people over every time you open the door - it is not in your interest; unless you are in some weird people-knocking business.

 

[fisicx]

If it is a fire door with push bar and the like you shouldn't be using it as a normal access door anyway.

Which also means you can't modify it to open inwards.

If it isn't a firedoor then what is your means of egress from the building?

 

[bry123]

Could you get the landlord to install a clear window in the door so you can see if anyone is outside on the path before opening it?

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Look for 'Bri', another member on here. He is a fire protection specialist who might be able to shed some light on this for you.

 

[Cathy Duncan]

I think it is not legally permitted for your landlord to do it, unless it is agreed upon by both parties. Also you can find a way out if you reach a solution like placing a window, or opening a door. If it does not work you still have the option to shift elsewhere.