Commercial Lease Extensions & Renewals
Our team of experts in Commercial Property Lease Extensions & Renewals is here to support landlords and tenants in negotiations and agreements for existing commercial leases. Contact Rowlinsons Solicitors today.
No Obligation Initial Telephone Call
Fixed Fees Available
Commercial Lease Renewals Experts
Regional & National Award Winners
Law Society Lexcel Quality Scheme Accredited
A commercial lease renewal or extension is the process of continuing your existing lease agreement beyond its original term, either by negotiating a new lease or formally extending the current one via a deed of variation.
For both landlords and tenants, this stage is a crucial opportunity to reassess all terms of occupation, review rent and responsibilities, and protect your long-term interests and stability in the property. Getting legal advice early on helps ensure the new terms work for you, now and in the future.
Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, understanding the options and obligations around renewing or extending a commercial lease is essential.
At Rowlinsons Solicitors, we make the process clear and straightforward from the outset.
We’ll begin by reviewing your existing lease to confirm whether it's protected under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which may give you the right to renew. If renewal is on the table, either party can start the process (tenants by serving a Section 26 notice, or landlords with a Section 25 notice).
We’ll guide you through each step, making sure all notices are served correctly and on time, typically between 6 and 12 months before the lease end date.
Whether you're preparing for a lease to end, looking to extend early, or responding to a renewal notice, our specialist commercial property solicitors are here to protect your position and help you achieve your goals.
We regularly advise landlords and tenants on:
Our team has extensive experience supporting businesses of all sizes including offices, and industrial units. Whether it's a standalone lease matter or part of a wider commercial property strategy, we’ll make sure you have the right legal foundations in place.
For a free, no obligation quote please call 0800 470 2577 or click here for an instant online quote.
A commercial lease renewal is the process of putting a new agreement in place at the end of an existing lease. It’s a key opportunity to re-evaluate and update the terms to reflect current business needs, property conditions, or market values.
In some cases, the right to renew is automatic under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, while in others, renewal depends on negotiation between the parties.
Whether you’re a landlord wanting to retain a good tenant or a business owner securing your long term base, our team can help you renew your lease with confidence and clarity.
While the new rent often dominates discussions, a commercial lease renewal is your primary chance to secure terms that truly support your future business or investment strategy. Negotiation should always extend to these critical, high-impact clauses.
By focusing on these terms, our solicitors ensure the new agreement is not just a document of continuity, but a foundation for your long-term commercial success.
If your lease is protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, you may have a statutory right to request a new lease at the end of your term.
The process includes:
Not all leases are protected under the Act. If your lease is excluded, renewal is only possible if the landlord agrees. We’ll help you understand your rights and take timely, effective action based on your specific lease terms.
A commercial lease extension is often the simplest and most flexible way to continue a tenancy without the need for a full lease renewal. Unlike a renewal, which usually results in an entirely new lease agreement, a commercial lease extension typically builds on the existing lease terms, lengthening the lease duration by agreement between the landlord and tenant.
This approach is especially useful when both parties are happy with the current arrangement and want to avoid unnecessary disruption or legal complexity. Extensions are commonly formalised by way of a deed of variation, allowing specific terms, such as the lease length, rent, or break clauses, to be updated while preserving the rest of the original lease.
At Rowlinsons, we regularly assist clients in negotiating and drafting lease extensions that align with their wider business or investment objectives. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from reviewing the existing lease to completing the necessary documentation and registration (if applicable).
Extending your lease can provide much needed security of tenure, support future planning, and help you secure funding or make long term investment in the premises. It’s also a chance to agree on more favourable terms, such as extending break rights, revising rent escalation clauses, or updating service charge responsibilities.
A well timed extension offers valuable rental continuity, helps retain a reliable tenant, and avoids the time and cost involved in re-letting. It’s also an opportunity to update key lease terms to reflect current market conditions or the evolving use of the premises.
We take a proactive, practical approach to ensure every extension is legally robust and commercially effective. Whether it’s part of a broader asset management strategy or a simple extension between trusted parties, we’ll handle everything with clarity, speed and care.
Commercial Lease Extensions FAQs
What is a new leaseholder agreement?
This is a legal document that sets out the updated terms of your lease. It replaces the old lease and confirms the new arrangement, whether through renewal or extension.
Can the terms of a lease be changed during renewal or extension?
Yes, both parties can agree to change the lease terms, such as rent, repair obligations, or length. If the lease is being renewed under the 1954 Act, the court may decide if no agreement is reached.
How long does a commercial lease usually last?
There’s no fixed rule, it can be anything from 3 to 25 years. It depends on the type of property, the tenant’s needs, and the commercial deal agreed.
Who can start the commercial lease renewal process?
Both landlords and tenants can initiate renewal. Tenants often do so to secure their future at the premises, while landlords may trigger renewal to formalise updated terms.
Can a landlord refuse to renew a commercial lease?
If the lease is protected by the 1954 Act, a landlord can only refuse renewal on specific grounds (e.g. redevelopment or breach). If the lease isn’t protected, renewal is at the landlord’s discretion.
What happens if we can’t agree to new terms?
Most cases settle through negotiation, but if needed, you can apply to the court for a decision. Our solicitors are skilled in both negotiation and litigation and will aim to resolve things efficiently.
What happens after a commercial lease expires?
If the lease is protected, you may continue under the same terms ("holding over") while renewal is negotiated. If not, you may need to leave the premises unless a new agreement is reached.
How much does it cost to extend a commercial lease?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the lease, negotiations, and any valuation work involved. We’ll always provide a clear quote upfront, so you know where you stand.
Can I extend my commercial lease before it ends?
Absolutely. Many landlords and tenants agree to extend early, especially if the market is favourable or the tenant wants long term certainty.
Every lease is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your circumstances and explain your options in plain English, no jargon, no guesswork.
We regularly assist landlords, tenants, and managing agents with:
Our Commercial Property Solicitors at Rowlinsons are recognised for their outstanding service, technical expertise, and practical approach. Whether you're negotiating a commercial lease renewal or looking to extend an agreement, we’ll support you every step of the way with advice you can trust.
From our offices in Frodsham and Runcorn (Sutton Weaver), we assist clients across Cheshire, North Wales, and throughout England and Wales. We are proud to support local businesses in Widnes, Warrington, St Helens, Northwich, Chester, Wrexham, and the surrounding areas.
Rowlinsons Solicitors has held the Lexcel accreditation from the Law Society for over a decade, awarded only to firms delivering the highest standards of client care and legal excellence. We are also Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accredited, underlining our trusted status in property law.
For a free, no obligation quote please call 0800 470 2577 or click here for an instant online quote.
The Autumn Budget arrived at a time when the UK housing market is already adapting to a period of transition. Mortgage rates are gradually easing, though they remain higher than the levels seen before 2022. Housebuilding targets continue to dominate...
Thank you to everyone that has supported our efforts so far this year. We’ve walked the wonderful Wirral Walk and beaten our eggs for the Rowlinsons Bake-Off competition! Your sponsorship donations and contributions in votes have been...
Ally Stretton Highly Commended at Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2025
Rowlinsons Solicitors is celebrating after Associate Solicitor Ally Stretton was Highly Commended in the “Rising Star of the Year” category at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2025, held at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool on Thursday 20th November...
Contact our offices
Make an enquiry
