Woodstock Legal Services Logo
03300 885 792      CLIENT LOG IN

Commercial Landlords the ‘Furlough’ question?

Peter Fowler • Apr 15, 2020

What should a landlord do if they are approached for a rent reduction? 


With many commercial tenants in financial difficulty with little or no income and no ability to adapt their business e.g into takeaway foods, the last thing any commercial landlord wants is an insolvency leading to an empty commercial property with little chance to relet.

So, what should a landlord do if approached by a tenant for rent relief?

Most retail shops, unless selling food, medicines or other essential goods, are going to be badly in need of assistance. The same applies to many manufacturing premises, but what about the service sector?

Lawyers, accountants and financial traders may have certain sectors of their business collapse, (residential conveyancing being an obvious example), but other sectors such as family, wills and probate may be showing an upturn.

What is clear is that many professional offices have taken advantage of the ‘furlough’ opportunity to cut overheads and receive Government support for 80% of salaries up to £2,500 per month for an initial three-month period. As salaries form a large proportion of any business overheads it may, in some cases, be used to preserve profits rather than it’s intended objective of retaining jobs. Liverpool FC with their ‘about-turn’ on the use of furlough, as they are one of the wealthiest football clubs in the world, is an extreme example.

It is also worth bearing in mind that there are business rate, VAT and PAYE holidays available to preserve many business cashflows.

In my view then, any landlord approached for a rent -holiday should as the following questions:-
  1. Please supply evidence of your reduction in income?
  2. How many staff have you furloughed and what is your saving in wages?

If the tenant is not prepared to offer such information, then it is reasonable to assume that their finances are such that their business is sustainable in the short-term and refuse any rent reduction. After all, when granting a lease, a landlord reasonably asks for references and financial information, so such a request is also reasonable.

Once in possession of all the financial facts the Landlord can make a value judgment on a rent holiday reduction or rent deferment until times are better.

Any such agreement should be in writing and ideally in the form of a Deed of variation of the lease.

We will, of course, be happy to provide advice in such circumstances.


Contact Us

News & Insights

Woodstock Legal Services appoints Employment Law Solicitor, Tony Bertin
By Lee Taylor 09 Apr, 2024
Woodstock Legal Services continues its regional expansion, welcoming Tony Bertin , a highly respected Consultant Employment Solicitor with over 45 years of experience in em ployment law. Based in Kent, Tony has witnessed the evolution of employment law firsthand, including the establishment of the UK's first employment tribunals. Tony has a hard-earned reputation for assisting both employers and employees across the country, with particular expertise in the Southeast and London. His unparalleled depth of knowledge makes him a trusted source of advice for all aspects of employment law. Speaking about joining Woodstock, Tony said: "I’ve seen employment law transform dramatically since those early tribunals. While it offers more robust protections today, the field has also become increasingly complex. That's why I'm thrilled to join the forward-thinking team at Woodstock Legal Services and help clients navigate this ever-evolving landscape. Their commitment to staying ahead of the curve aligns perfectly with my own dedication to providing strategic employment law solutions." Tony joins Woodstock's established employment team, working alongside Amy Cousineau-Massey and Richard Hiron , both of whom have significant experience in contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. Together, the team covers a wide range of employment law issues throughout England and Wales. This includes expert guidance on contract reviews, settlement agreements, redundancy processes, mediation, and tribunal defence. The team has also quickly established an enviable reputation for advising business leaders, senior executives, directors, and board members in workplace disputes. Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services said: “We are delighted to welcome Tony to our team. His unparalleled experience provides our clients with a strategic advantage in the ever-evolving field of employment law.” Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now has an impressive team of over 50, attracting top legal talent from regions including Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Contact Our Specialist Employment Law Solicitor For employment law guidance, contact Tony Bertin at 0330 1800206 or t.bertin@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk . Alternatively, fill in the form below and a member of our team will contact you.
Family lawyer, Amy Langlois comments on the proposed Family Court Fee Increases
By Amy Langlois 28 Mar, 2024
Be informed about potential family court fee changes in 2024. Learn how they affect divorce, child arrangements, and what you can do.
Should a landlord ask for a Guarantor? Anna Hughes - Specialist at Woodstock Legal Services
By Anna Hughes 18 Mar, 2024
Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of using guarantors for your rental properties. Get expert advice from Woodstock Legal Services' landlord solicitors.
Landlord and tenant solicitor discussing
By Eleanor Trapaud 12 Mar, 2024
Learn about cuckooing, a serious threat where criminals exploit vulnerable tenants. Get tips to safeguard your property and tenants, plus legal advice from Woodstock Legal Services.
Shared Ownership Homeownership
By Gemma Fancini 07 Mar, 2024
Simplify shared ownership. Get a clear guide on eligibility, costs, staircasing, and how it can make your homeownership dream achievable. Expert advice included.
Arvinder Samra Residential Conveyancing Solicitor at Woodstock Legal Services
By Carly Jermyn 29 Feb, 2024
Woodstock Legal Services continues its national expansion by welcoming experienced Residential Conveyancing Solicitor Arvinder Samra to its growing high-value property team. Based in Warwickshire, Arvinder (Arvi) brings over 20 years of specialised experience in high-value residential property transactions, serving clients throughout the Warwickshire region. With a proven track record at large national law firms, Arvi has extensive knowledge in sales, purchases, and all aspects of residential conveyancing , with a particular focus on Warwickshir e conveyancing. Arvi brings a hard-earned reputation in residential conveyancing and is well-versed in the complexities of high-value property transactions in sought-after Warwickshire locations like Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon. Commenting on joining Woodstock, Arvi said: "Woodstock's consultancy model empowers me to manage my caseload strategically, focus on high-touch service, and ensure each client receives the exceptional attention they truly deserve. “Fortunately, I've always been able to ease the stress often associated with property transactions by taking on the heavy lifting and building strong client relationships founded on trust and exceeding their expectations." Arvi values the flexibility Woodstock offers, enabling him to maintain a healthy work-life balance and tailor his approach to individual client needs. This aligns with the Woodstock Legal Services commitment to attracting professionals seeking a fresh, family-oriented alternative to the constraints of traditional law firms. Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services, said: "We're thrilled to have Arvi join our team. Arvi’s commitment to providing a truly personalised experience, with an emphasis on reducing client stress, fits perfectly with the Woodstock approach." In a year that marks Woodstock’s 10th anniversary, 2024 continues to see further expansion across the regions as more lawyers leave traditional law firms and turn to the more modern consultancy-based approach to offering quality legal services to clients. Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now has an impressive team of over 50, attracting top legal talent from regions like Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Carly continued: "We're seeing an increasing trend of experienced lawyers choosing consultancy, a community-focused model allowing our lawyers to focus on delivering exceptional service to their clients.” Contact Our Warwickshire Residential Property Solicitor For residential conveyancing in Warwickshire , contact Arvinder Samra on 01926 911246 or email a.samra@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk .
Charlotte O'Driscoll and Claire Cousins - Oxford Conveyancing Experts for Woodstock Legal Services
By Carly Jermyn 22 Feb, 2024
Woodstock Legal Services continues its strategic expansion with the addition of Consultant Licensed Conveyancer Charlotte O'Driscoll and Conveyancing Consultant Claire Cousins . The duo brings significant combined experience to the firm's Oxford team, bolstering its ability to serve clients in Oxford and surrounding areas. Specialising in all aspects of residential property , both Claire and Charlotte have extensive experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing, from sales and purchases to remortgages and Transfers of Equity. Charlotte O'Driscoll focuses on high-value residential property transactions, leveraging over 20 years of expertise. Claire Cousins , with her 20 years of property law knowledge and history of working alongside Charlotte, adds further depth to this dynamic team. "We're delighted to have Charlotte and Claire join our growing presence in Oxford," said Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services. "Their collective skillset and commitment to exceptional client service are perfectly aligned with Woodstock's approach. This move signals our focus on attracting top talent within the Oxfordshire property sector." In a year that marks Woodstock’s 10th anniversary, 2024 continues to see further expansion across the regions as more lawyers leave traditional law firms and turn to the more modern consultancy-based approach to offering quality legal services to clients. Drawn to Woodstock Legal's innovative consultancy model, both Charlotte and Claire value the autonomy and flexibility it offers. "Woodstock's structure allows me to take true ownership of my caseload and provide a customised, responsive approach for each client," says Charlotte O'Driscoll . "The focus on high-value properties lets me delve deep into the detail which is what I enjoy." Claire Cousins adds, "The positive, family-oriented atmosphere at Woodstock is refreshing. There's a shared focus on delivering excellence, without the rigidity often found in larger law firms. I appreciate the support I have here, along with the freedom to build relationships directly with my clients." Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now boasts an impressive team of over 45, attracting top legal talent from regions like Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Contact Our Residential Property Specialists in Oxford For residential conveyancing guidance in the Oxford area, contact Woodstock Legal Services. Reach Charlotte O'Driscoll at c.odriscoll@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or Claire Cousins at c.cousins@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk .
Emilie Holland - Family Law Solicitor - Woodstock Legal Services
By Carly Jermyn 30 Jan, 2024
Ambitious Dorset law firm Woodstock Legal Services has further strengthened its family team with the appointment of another experienced family solicitor. Family lawyer, Emilie Holland joins Woodstock Legal Services as a Consultant Family Solicitor and joins its highly regarded family law team , having already built an enviable reputation across Hampshire, Wiltshire and the South Coast having previously worked for a number of regional law firms. Surrey-born Emilie has over 14 years of experience dealing with family matters arising from separation, including high-net-worth divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, cohabitation, complex financial settlements, asset protection and children disputes. Emilie also has vast experience dealing with relationship matters, including injunction proceedings, cohabitation agreements, and Pre-Nuptial Agreements. Commenting on her appointment, Emilie said: “I’m delighted to join the ambitious growth here at Woodstock Legal Services, which has achieved impressive growth over the last few years and is a firm breaking the mould with how they provide legal services" She continued: “The family team are not only held in high regard but are a team of passionate and committed lawyers who take so much pride in their work for clients. “Working within family law is highly rewarding, supporting people through difficult and emotional times and ultimately trying to find constructive solutions.” The Woodstock Legal Services family team already have an excellent reputation across Dorset and the South Coast. Emilie’s appointment takes the Woodstock family law team to three, with family solicitor Amy Langlois joining Woodstock in Bournemouth and, more recently, highly experienced family solicitor Karen Layland joining the firm last month . The family team advises on a wide range of matters, including divorce, separation, cohabitation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements, arrangements for children and financial settlement arrangements. Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services, said: “We are delighted to have Emilie join our growing family team. We’ve quickly established a solid reputation in the Dorset region, and I’m pleased that Emilie has joined to help us offer our family law services further afield. Her extensive experience in family law will continue to complement our wealth of legal services to clients. Emilie's appointment showcases our commitment to providing clients with the highest quality legal services, making an already emotional time as manageable as possible.” In a year which marks Woodstock’s 10-year anniversary, 2024 continues to see further expansion across the regions as more lawyers leave traditional law firms and turn to the more modern consultancy-based approach to offering quality legal services to clients. Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now boasts an impressive team of over 45 , attracting top legal talent from regions like Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Emilie continued: “The flexibility of the consultancy model offered by Woodstock is increasingly attractive to busy lawyers, particularly to those with young families. It’s a model that allows lawyers to focus on providing clients with the level of service and support they deserve while balancing a professional and personal life.” If you would like to discuss your legal options with our family law solicitors , please contact Emilie Holland on 0330 088 5792 or email e.holland@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk .
APPG Warning on Council Funding for Renters Reform Bill Enforcement
By Lisa Etherton 09 Jan, 2024
Expert insights from Woodstock Legal Services on the APPG's warning about council funding needs for enforcing the Renters Reform Bill.
DISCOVER MORE
Share by: