Commercial Lease Renewal

When your commercial lease approaches its end date, having a team of experts to guide you is key to make sure you secure the best possible terms. 

At The UpCo, we provide comprehensive lease renewal (regearing) services for both landlords and occupiers throughout the Wirral, Liverpool
and Greater Manchester. Thanks to over 20 years of experience, we can give you clear, useful advice and help you navigate this process with confidence and ease.

Expert advice for lease renewal negotiations

What enables us to negotiate lease renewals successfully on your behalf? Well, we rely on our in-depth local market knowledge of commercial property in the North West. On top of that, we conduct thorough research into current property trends, rental values, and demand factors specific to your location and property type.

This work is essential and puts us in a great position to negotiate the best outcome for you - and it’s led to significant savings for numerous clients we’ve worked with. After we’ve negotiated a renewal you’re happy with, we also work with your solicitors to support in finalising agreements.

The lease renewal process - what Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

When a commercial lease gets close to expiring, the landlord and tenant have options and obligations when it comes to renewing the agreement. While many renewals are agreed informally, sometimes this isn’t possible and the process moves into a formal framework under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Tenant perspective

  • If a tenant benefits from security of tenure, they have a legal right to request a new lease by serving a Section 26 notice. This must be issued 6-12 months before the lease ends. When served, this notice triggers formal negotiations while protecting their right to remain in the premises.

Landlord perspective

  • Landlords can take the lead by serving a Section 25 notice, either proposing new lease terms or, if justified, opposing renewal on specific statutory grounds (e.g. redevelopment intentions, landlord occupation, or persistent tenant breaches). Serving notice early allows landlords to shape the negotiation process or plan for vacant possession if needed.

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, we recommend starting the renewal process 12-18 months before lease expiry. This allows time for open dialogue, avoids unnecessary disputes, and gives both sides the best chance of securing favourable terms - or preparing for a formal process if required. Taking early advice puts you in the strongest possible position, whether you’re aiming to renew, renegotiate, or exit.

What does lease renewal involve?

If that all sounds a little daunting, don’t worry, we can negotiate on your behalf. Our advisors provide expert guidance on every element of your lease renewal, including:

  • Lease duration: Determining the best term length based on your business strategy or investment goals

  • Break clauses: Negotiating flexibility for future business changes

  • Repair and maintenance obligations: Clarifying responsibilities to prevent potential disputes

  • Service charges: Reviewing charge structures to ensure fairness and transparency

  • Rent-free periods or incentives: Securing financial concessions where market conditions allow

  • Alterations or fit-out terms: Negotiating permissions for property modifications to suit evolving business needs

  • Subletting: Establishing rights to assign or sublet portions of the property

  • Security of tenure: Advising on statutory protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act

  • Lease surrender: Facilitating clean breaks where appropriate as an alternative to renewal

  • Negotiating repairs and financial settlements: Resolving dilapidation claims and exit conditions

Get in touch for help with lease renewals

If your lease is coming up for renewal or you’d like advice on any aspect of commercial leases, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch via our website, drop us an email at hello@theupco.co.uk or call 0151 542 5000 today. We’re here to help.