Hassle-free help from the UK's best Commercial Property solicitors.
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
Whether you’re a business owner seeking the perfect location to grow your operations or a property owner looking to maximize your investment, the terms of your agreement can have a big impact on your financial stability and business success.
In the UK, the distinctions between a lease and a license define the scope of your rights, responsibilities, and control over the property.
At Lawhive, we simplify the complexities of commercial property arrangements.
Our unique approach combines cutting-edge technology with expert legal services to provide you with tailored, affordable advice.
Whether you’re negotiating a new lease, drafting a license agreement, or seeking to resolve a dispute, our network of experienced commercial property lawyers is here to help.
Our solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK property law and a wealth of experience handling lease and license arrangements.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and discover how Lawhive can assist you with your lease or license arrangements.
A commercial lease is a legally binding agreement between a landlord and a tenant, where the tenant is granted the right to occupy and use commercial property for a specified period in exchange for rent.
This lease agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the property is leased and establishes the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
A commercial property license is a contractual agreement that grants a licensee (the person or business using the property) permission to occupy and use a commercial space without providing them with exclusive possession.
Unlike a lease, a license is typically more flexible and does not confer a legal interest in the property.
It allows the licensee to use the property for specific purposes as outlined in the license agreement, but the property owner (licensor) retains overall control and can enter the premises at will.
Leases and licenses grant different levels of rights and responsibilities to the occupier of a property.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
A lease provides the tenant with exclusive possession of the property and grants a legal interest in the property for a specified period.
A license allows the licensee to use the property for specific purposes without granting exclusive possession and does not create a legal interest or estate in the property.
Leases typically have a fixed duration, such as one year, five years, or more, and often include options for renewal or extension at the end of the term.
Licenses are generally more flexible and can be for short-term use, such as weeks or months. They can also be terminated with less formality, often requiring less notice than leases without significant penalties.
Under a lease, the tenant has significant control over the property, including the right to make certain modifications and use the property for any legal purpose specified in the lease.
Further, the landlord's ability to enter or use the property is limited, typically requiring notice and only for specified reasons.
Under a license, the licensor retains greater control over the property and can access it as needed. The licensee’s use of the property is often more restricted and must align with the specific terms set by the licensor.
Leases often place significant maintenance and repair responsibilities on the tenant.
This can include routine upkeep, repairs, and sometimes even major renovations. The tenant may also be responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses as part of the lease agreement.
With a license, the licensor usually retains responsibility for maintaining the property, and the licensee's financial obligations are typically limited to the license fee and any specific charges outlined in the license agreement.
Leases often allow for assignment or subletting, giving the tenant the ability to transfer their interest to another party, subject to the landlord’s approval. Leases can also be sold or transferred, though usually with conditions or landlord consent.
Licenses are typically personal and can't be transferred or assigned to another party without the licensor’s permission. The rights granted under a license are usually specific to the licensee and are not intended to be sold or passed on.
Leases provide strong legal protections for tenants, including security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 for commercial leases in the UK, which gives tenants the right to renew the lease under certain conditions. Therefore, tenants can enforce their rights through legal action if the landlord breaches the lease terms.
Licenses do not provide the same security or legal protections as leases. Licensees can be asked to leave more easily and do not have the same statutory rights.
If there is a dispute, courts will interpret the nature of the agreement based on the substance rather than the label, considering factors like exclusive possession, the nature of the control, and how the agreement is executed.
Legal precedents and how similar situations have been judged can also influence the interpretation.
While a lease offers long-term stability and exclusive possession, a license provides a range of benefits that can be more suitable for businesses seeking short-term or flexible arrangements. Including:
Yes, license agreements are generally shorter in duration compared to leases.
This is one of the key characteristics that differentiate a license from a lease and often makes licenses more attractive for businesses or individuals seeking temporary or flexible use of a property.
Leases can be particularly complex as they contain several clauses and conditions that can damage your business in the future if they are not shaped to your needs.
Whether you’re a business owner looking to open a new premises or an experienced property investor it’s essential to get advice from an experienced property professional before signing any agreement.
With the help of a solicitor, you can be sure you understand all the terms and conditions of any property contract you are considering before signing it.
Whether an agreement is labeled as a lease or a license, when the characteristics of a lease are present a court will rule that a lease has been created.
Because of this, it is important to seek legal advice when obtaining or granting a lease or license to guarantee the agreement reflects your goals and protects you legally.
Whether you’re a tenant looking to lease office space or a licensee seeking a short-term license for a retail pop-up, effective negotiation can save costs, enhance flexibility, and provide legal protections.
Here are our top tips for the negotiation process for both commercial leases and licenses:
Once negotiations are complete, you should make sure that everything you have agreed is documented in a formal written agreement.
If a dispute arises relating to lease or license arrangements, a solicitor can provide a detailed explanation of the terms and conditions of your agreement, including your rights and obligations.
Furthermore, they can help you understand your options and the best course of action to resolve the issue. This may involve negotiation, mediation, or litigation depending on the situation.
If a dispute escalates to litigation, your solicitor can also provide full representation in court, handling all legal proceedings and advocating on your behalf.
Simply put, an experienced lease and license arrangements solicitor is equipped to handle all aspects of a dispute.
A legally binding lease or license agreement provides clear protection and outlines the rights and obligations of both parties, minimising the risk of disputes.
To be sure your lease or license is legally binding you should:
A solicitor can review your agreement to make sure it is legally signed and aligned with your best interests. They can also identify potential issues and highlight any ambiguities or unfavourable terms.
Our solicitors offer in-depth knowledge of UK property law, helping you create and review agreements that are robust and enforceable.
Contact Lawhive today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your commercial property needs and ensure your lease or license agreement is legally binding.
Our network of commercial property lawyers are experts in all commercial property matters with extensive experience in helping landlords and tenants achieve their aims and assert their legal rights.
Our advice is designed with your needs in mind, we always give you advice that is in your best interest.
We can help with:
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your lease and license arrangements and get a personalised quote for the services of a specialist commercial property lawyer.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
