Douglas Huston Chartered Surveyors offer a range of Landlord and Tenant services across Northern Ireland including

 

 

 

Advice on securing the best possible result on your rent review needs to be tailored to the facts of the case, having particular regard to the rent review provisions set out in the lease.  That advice will need to address technical and legal issues as much as market evidence and conditions and it is the combination of these skills that best describes Douglas Huston’s approach to this specialist field.

 

Where disputes occur on interpretation of rent review provisions, market evidence or what is to be valued at rent review, rent review clauses typically provide for referral to an Arbitrator or Independent Expert (referred to as Third Party).  We are very experienced in preparing expert witness reports setting out key issues and evidence to Arbitrators and Independent Experts and advising clients on the best way to mitigate cost exposure at Third Party.

 

 

The expiry of a lease offers Landlords and Tenants the opportunity to consider whether they wish to agree a new lease.  Specific timetables and requirements apply for serving of notices and applications to court – it is essential that these timetables / requirements are followed.  Failure could be fatal and the consequences irreversible.  In some circumstances compensations applies where Landlords are not prepared to agree a new lease.  We are able to advise on the level of compensation and any eligibility to pay or receive such sums.

 

 

Items of disrepair can give rise to a claim for damages.  Under the provisions of a typical lease, the parties agree how the tenant should yield up the premises including the state of repair, redecoration, maintenance and the removal of tenant’s alterations.  At lease expiry a substantial liability can arise which can be resolved by remediation / reinstatement or by a capital payment to the Landlord, depending on the circumstances.

 

 

It can suit landlords and tenants to restructure leases during the term, perhaps in advance of a break option or lease expiry to mutual benefit.  There can be substantial improvement in investment value generated by lease restructuring and it can remove onerous clauses or create flexibility.  It can also support business planning for occupiers and it can unlock opportunities to refurbish or address other building issues at the same time.