Legal Issues when Relocating a Business
If you are considering relocating a business there are a number of legal issues you will need to address that are crucial to ensure the ongoing success & security of your business.
Whether your business has out-grown its current office space, downsizing for efficiency or renewing its existing lease – make sure you do it right. Many tenants assume that the landlord has their best interests in mind - but this is not always the case. Tenants need to seek professional advice from a Property Solicitor before committing and signing over any office lease to ensure that all legal issues have been addressed, and to safeguard their commercial interests.
Every commercial property rental transaction requires the exchange of a legal document; namely an office lease. This is legally binding contract between you (the Tenant) and the Landlord. It will commit you to pay rent, service charges, carry out certain tenant obligations and tie you in to the contract for a certain period.
Whilst your Property Consultant will negotiate the office lease to ensure it is appropriate for your business needs - which includes matters such as appropriate lease length, whether a break clause should be included, as well as what your responsibilities are for maintaining and repairing the premises - Your legal representative will ensure all this is documented accordingly in the office lease and check that all angles have been covered.
As an employer you’ll also need to be aware of your legal obligations as far as moving your staff are concerned. There may be contractual obligations such as whether employee contracts include a “mobility clause” and you’ll also be obliged to keep your staff informed about the office move and be open to any concerns they have about the relocation.
Addressing all these legal issues before you relocate your business will maximise your chance of a smooth and profitable office move, and allow you to enjoy your tenure and concentrate on what you do best – running your business.
