Government Plans to Ban Upward-Only Rent Reviews in Commercial Leases

By Joe Wilkinson

The UK Government has announced plans for major reforms of the commercial property leasing market. On 10 July 2025, the Government revealed proposals to ban upward-only rent reviews (UORR) in all new commercial leases in England and Wales, as part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.  The aim is to make the commercial…

Common Problems As A Commercial Tenant And How To Deal With Them

By Chris Bardsley

The majority of businesses need commercial premises to operate from, whether small or large, and many choose to rent at the expense of buying their own property. For these commercial tenants, there is a whole world of laws and regulations to navigate, which are not typical of private residential leasing. As a first-time commercial tenant…

Surrendering A Commercial Lease: Can Tenants Hand Back Keys?

By Chris Bardsley

Following an uncertain time in the country after recent political changes such as Brexit, the UK’s economy is facing a period of ambiguity. During these hazy times, it can leave commercial landlords vulnerable, especially in situations where a tenant is struggling and wants to get away from their lease obligations. In cases of formal insolvency,…

Modifying or Discharging Restrictive Covenants: A hundred years of balancing private rights vs the public interest  

By Sue Long

Restrictive covenants are long-standing features of English property law, often imposed to preserve the character or use of land. However, as land use evolves, many of these covenants become outdated or obstructive to modern development. Fortunately, there are legal mechanisms available to discharge or modify such covenants, the most common being under Section 84 of…

Regeneration of Strangeways and Cambridge

By Sue Long

Say ‘Strangeways’ to a Mancunian or Salfordian and many will think of the imposing Victorian ventilation tower of HMP Manchester which has stood tall over the local skyline for well over a hundred years. These days the skyline is also filled, albeit from distance, with the gleaming skyscrapers that represent the rapid growth of Manchester…

Dilapidations 2025 FAQs

By CatherineKelly@roger-hannah.co.uk

Dilapidations is a specific area of law relating to the state of disrepair to a property that has occurred during a tenant’s period of occupation and may relate to interior or exterior of the property.  They represent any costs to the Tenant at the end of a Lease however they can sometimes be served on…

The Role of Mediation in Compulsory Purchase Negotiations

By Sue Long

Negotiations relating to compulsory purchase claims can sometimes be protracted or reach a stalemate position. Mediation is a useful mechanism to facilitate negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreed position. What is Mediation? Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to help resolve compulsory purchase disputes. An independent specialist is appointed as…

How to be an outstanding Acquiring Authority?

By Sue Long

Acquiring Authorities would no doubt love to receive an OFSTED outstanding accreditation in their handling of a compulsory purchase. Now they know how to!! Thanks to the recent Public Inquiry confirmation of the decision in London Borough of Southwark (Elephant and Castle Town Centre) Compulsory Purchase Order (No.2) 2023 the pathway to achieve such an…

Roger Hannah acquires Kelsall Williams

By Chris Bardsley

From left to right; Joe Wilkinson, John Kelsall, Chris Kelsall, and Simon Cook Roger Hannah is delighted to announce the acquisition of Kelsall Williams, a highly respected Commercial Property Lease Consultancy practice based in central Manchester. This acquisition strengthens Roger Hannah’s established and accomplished Lease Advisory team, solidifying its position as one of the largest…

Reforming Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation: A Push for Efficiency, Fairness and Faster Delivery

By Sue Long

The Government has recently concluded a consultation on reforms to the compulsory purchase process and compensation practices, aimed at streamlining the system, reducing costs, and improving fairness, all while facilitating the progression of essential infrastructure projects. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) enable public authorities to acquire private property or land for projects deemed to benefit the…