Getting out of an Office Lease

Office Lease Termination - FAQs

How do I get out of an office lease?

Your options to get out of an office lease will depend on the terms of the office lease. You may be able to terminate the lease if you have a break clause which gives you the option to terminate your lease at a specified point prior to its expiry.

You may be able to assign the lease to another tenant, or you may be able to sublet the premises so that your rent is covered but you are still held responsible under the terms of the lease.

What is a break clause?

A break clause in a lease gives the tenant an automatic right to terminate the lease at a specified point. Break clauses still require a tenant to give a set period of notice to bring the lease to an end, but it does give the tenant the flexibility of being able to exit the premises before the lease expires.

Will it cost me to terminate the lease?

You will need to pay for a Property Solicitor, and quite often, depending on the terms of the lease – your landlord’s legal fees. The cost of these will depend on how drawn out the negotiations become. Your Property Solicitor will usually negotiate a payment with the landlord to terminate your office lease.

You may be liable to pay for dilapidations - repairs and redecoration - if the lease requires you to return the premises to their original condition.

Terminating your office lease is a complex business and each office lease is different. It is therefore important that you always seek legal advice before a) signing any office lease and b) if you need to terminate your office lease.  This will ensure that you fulfill your contractual obligations under the lease and that you protect your commercial liabilities.

Find a Property Solicitor in your area who can assist in the termination of your office lease.

Read more about the legal issues of moving office here.