The law never stands still, and the way it applies to you and your organisation is constantly evolving. Our people are on top of these developments and can keep you up to date with some of the most interesting aspects of these changes. Check out our articles and updates for our perspective on issues that might affect you.
Rent reviews often trigger a squabble between tenants who are seeking the smallest of rises and landlords looking to maximise investment returns. Two recent court decisions give guidance on the circumstances in which an expert surveyor's decision is the end of the road and on when the ordinary rules of valuation are displaced by the lease provisions.
Leases can often take several rounds of amendments before the solicitors representing the landlord and the tenant can agree on a final version. Here we consider a newly published standardised lease – the Scottish Model Commercial Lease - which aims to cut back on these more routine amendments, and speed up the letting process for both landlord and tenant.
Retail leases come with risks for both the landlord and the tenant. Landlords must set rents at the right level – one which gives them adequate returns without overburdening the tenant - then hope tenants trade well enough to meet their obligations. For the tenant, they must balance rental obligations against their trading prospects and the risk of failure. Turnover leases offer an alternative to open market leases which can mitigate against the risks of both sides and potentially benefit both parties.
The Long Leases (Prescribed Form of Notices etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 Notices are required to implement the conversion of ultra-long leases to ownership under the Long Leases (Scotland) Act 2012. These Regulations prescribe the specified forms of notice under the sections of the Act referred to:
The Long Leases (Scotland) Act 2012 received Royal Assent on 7th August 2012. The Act brings to an end to ultra-long leases (those for more than 175 years) by converting them into ownership.