Renting a shop

[anonymous-user]

Hello, I'm hoping this is the right place to post. Briefly....

Looking to rent a shop from a private landlord who owns the whole building. There's a business next door, flat above and this empty shop unit which make up the whole building.

Solicitors are suggesting searches, local authority searches, title searches, planning breaches, environmental contamination etc. Basically the sort of stuff that you have done when buying a property.

The fees quoted are heading into several thousand pounds. Is this typical? To a novice (me) it sounds a bit overkill.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

An expert will be along soon, but I'm guessing it depends on how long the lease is and how easy to break it in the event of a disaster.

All I'd add is a shop with flats above requires a detailed fire risk assessment & precautions.

[Thankyou4calling]

Be very cautious if you are asked for a Personal Guarantee (PG) for the lease.

That means you have personal liability for the rent and associated costs for the full term.

It can cripple you.

[Wacky Racer]

Think very carefully before signing any kind of shop lease, read the small print with a fine tooth comb.

Those "searches" should cost not much more than £1000.

Is the lease subject to upward only rent reviews?

If in doubt don't.

Good luck.