Commercial Property Litigation Solicitors

Commercial property disputes can disrupt operations, affect income, and create uncertainty for landlords and tenants. GoodLaw’s specialist property litigation solicitors provide clear, practical advice to resolve disputes efficiently and protect your commercial position.

In many cases, disputes can be resolved through early correspondence or structured negotiation. Where formal action is required, we prepare and issue proceedings, representing clients throughout the court process.

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Commercial Property Lawyers in London, Sussex & Surrey

LONDON: 020 4524 9436 | SUSSEX: 01273 956 270 | SURREY: 01252 471 211

Strategic advice on commercial property disputes for landlords & tenants

Commercial property disputes often arise at difficult moments – non-payment of rent, lease termination issues, contested renewals, or breaches of covenant. Early legal advice can prevent matters escalating into costly or prolonged proceedings.

GoodLaw acts for commercial landlords, tenants, property owners, and investors across England and Wales. We assess the legal position quickly and develop a strategy aligned with your commercial objectives. Our advice typically focuses on:

Understanding the strength of your legal position at an early stage.
Identifying the most effective remedy, whether negotiation, enforcement, or court action.
Protecting income, possession rights, and long-term commercial interests.
Minimising disruption to ongoing business operations.

Our Expertise

Rent arrears and commercial possession

Non-payment of rent can quickly affect cash flow and asset value. Our commercial property solicitors advise landlords on the available recovery options, including commercial possession proceedings, debt claims, and enforcement measures. We assess the lease terms, any potential waiver of rights, and the wider commercial context before action is taken.

Where possession is sought, we manage the process from pre-action correspondence through to court proceedings and enforcement. Advice is practical and focused on securing recovery while minimising delay and disruption.

Forfeiture and breach of lease

Breach of lease covenants can arise from non-payment of rent, unauthorised alterations, unlawful use, or failure to comply with repair obligations. We advise landlords on whether forfeiture is available, how notices should be served, and the risks associated with enforcement.

Where relief from forfeiture is sought, we represent clients in court proceedings and negotiate settlements where appropriate. The aim is to protect property interests while ensuring steps taken are legally robust.

We advise where disputes arise in connection with option and pre-emption agreements affecting commercial premises.

Lease renewals and security of tenure

Disputes concerning renewal rights often arise at the end of a contractual term. Issues frequently stem from ambiguity in earlier heads of terms or agreed commercial principles. We advise on statutory security of tenure, including whether a tenant is entitled to a new lease and whether a landlord has grounds to oppose renewal.

Our solicitors act in both opposed and unopposed renewals, advising on rent, terms, and procedural requirements. We guide both commercial tenants and landlords through the commercial lease process, whether acting for landlords or tenants, ensuring statutory rights and negotiation strategy are properly managed.

Where agreement cannot be reached, we prepare and conduct court proceedings to secure a resolution.

Service charge and dilapidations disputes

Service charge disputes commonly concern the scope of recoverable costs and the interpretation of lease provisions. We review lease documentation in detail and advise on recovery, challenge, or defence of claims, depending on the client’s position.

Dilapidations disputes often arise at lease expiry and can involve significant sums. We assess liability, review schedules of dilapidations, and negotiate settlement where possible. We also advise on resolving title problems when selling commercial property, particularly where historic lease arrangements or variations create uncertainty.

Where necessary, we pursue or defend formal proceedings to protect our client’s financial position.

Break notices and termination issues

Strict compliance is required when exercising a break clause. We advise on drafting and service of break notices, compliance with pre-conditions, and the consequences of defective notices.

Where the validity of a break is disputed, we represent clients in negotiations and litigation to determine whether the lease has come to an end. Early advice can be decisive in avoiding costly mistakes.

Injunctions and urgent applications

Certain disputes require immediate court intervention, including trespass, unlawful occupation, interference with access rights, or attempts to dispose of property contrary to lease terms. We prepare urgent applications, including injunctions, where swift action is necessary to protect property or income.

Time-sensitive matters are handled promptly, with clear advice on prospects and practical next steps.

Boundary, access and rights of way disputes

Disputes concerning boundaries, encroachment, and rights of way can significantly affect development potential and property value, particularly in the context of commercial property development. Such issues can also delay or frustrate development agreements where land assembly or access arrangements are unresolved.

We also advise on title interpretation, historical rights, and evidential issues, seeking negotiated solutions where possible. Where agreement cannot be reached, we represent clients in court proceedings to establish or defend property rights. This can be particularly important where collaboration agreements depend on clear title and enforceable access rights.

We also advise on residential property disputes where mixed-use buildings or landlord portfolios include residential elements.

Key Contact

Catherine Mears

Commercial Property Resources

Our Commercial Property Team

Megan Peel

P

Catherine Mears

Sophie Richard

R

Megan Croydon-Miles

C

Janek Malysko

M

Zach Dolton

Elizabeth Yel

Elizabeth Yel

Y

Ellie Maslen

Diane Munro

Robyn Munro

Gareth Collins

Patrick Coni

Owen Walsh

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