At First Law Solicitors, we assist clients with Lease Assignments and Surrenders, ensuring that all legal and commercial aspects of the process are handled accurately and efficiently. Whether you are transferring your lease to another tenant or bringing a tenancy to an early end, our solicitors provide clear, practical advice that protects your interests and ensures full compliance with the law. We act for both landlords and tenants across England and Wales, providing reliable support for transactions involving offices, shops, industrial units and mixed-use premises.
A lease assignment transfers an existing tenant’s rights and obligations to a new tenant, known as the assignee. This can be an effective way for a business to relocate or reorganise without terminating the lease entirely. However, assignments require the landlord’s formal consent, and specific legal procedures must be followed to ensure the transfer is valid.
Our solicitors review your lease to confirm whether assignment is permitted and what conditions apply. We then assist in preparing or reviewing the formal Deed of Assignment and any Licence to Assign issued by the landlord. We ensure that the outgoing tenant, the incoming tenant and the landlord all understand their ongoing obligations under the Landlord and Tenant (Covenants) Act 1995.
For landlords, we check that the assignee is financially suitable and that the licence includes appropriate guarantees or authorised guarantee agreements where required. For tenants, we ensure that all liabilities are clearly defined and that no ongoing obligations remain beyond what the law requires.
A lease surrender occurs when the landlord and tenant agree to bring a lease to an end before its expiry date. This can happen by mutual agreement or through the grant of a new lease on different terms. Surrendering a lease requires careful negotiation to ensure that both parties’ rights are properly dealt with and that no future claims or liabilities remain unresolved.
Our solicitors prepare and review Deeds of Surrender to confirm that all financial matters, such as outstanding rent, deposits or dilapidations, are settled appropriately. We also handle related matters such as the release of guarantees and termination of registration at the Land Registry where required under the Land Registration Rules 2025. By managing the process carefully, we help clients avoid unintended legal consequences that can arise when leases are ended informally or without proper documentation.
Assignments and surrenders often involve negotiation between landlords, tenants and third parties such as incoming occupiers or managing agents. Our solicitors handle correspondence, draft or review all documents and ensure that every agreement is recorded in a form that is legally enforceable. We manage completion and registration requirements, providing confirmation once all legal formalities are concluded. Throughout the process, we aim to resolve matters efficiently, maintaining open communication and focusing on practical outcomes that allow all parties to move forward confidently.
We support both traditional and electronic execution of documents. All deeds and agreements are prepared and verified under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and the Digital Verification Services (DVS) framework, using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) where required. Client data and documents are stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR, under the supervision of the Information Commission (formerly the ICO). Our systems ensure full confidentiality, traceability and legal validity throughout the transaction.
At First Law Solicitors, we provide clear, dependable legal support for every stage of the lease lifecycle. Our solicitors combine property law expertise with commercial understanding, helping you achieve smooth transfers or closures without unnecessary delay or cost. We take time to explain each stage in plain English, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect and what each document means before signing. Our approach is practical, transparent and focused on achieving certainty and fairness for all parties involved.
If you are considering transferring or surrendering a lease, contact First Law Solicitors today. We provide professional and confidential advice for landlords, tenants and investors throughout England and Wales.
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