Licence to assign
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Expert, fixed-fee support with lease assignments
Many leases require that a landlord consents to the assignment of the lease to a new party. A licence to assign is the documents where the landlord allows a tenant to transfer their commercial lease to another party with their consent. The process can involve a number of legal requirements for both parties, so early advice can help avoid delays and complications.
Our award-winning commercial property solicitors act for both landlords and tenants, combining clear, practical legal support with proactive service and competitive fixed-fee pricing.
Contact us for help with a licence to assign
Licence to assign fees
Our fees for a licence to assign start from £1,250.
We offer fixed-fee pricing wherever possible, giving landlords and tenants clarity over their legal costs from the outset.
Additional fees may apply where the lease assignment involves further legal work, such as preparing a new rent deposit deed or varying the terms of the existing lease. If additional work is required, we will explain this clearly and agree the cost with you before proceeding.
Why choose Scott Bailey
Efficient, proactive handling
Lease assignments can involve input from several parties and delays can quickly hold up a wider transaction. Our commercial property solicitors take a proactive approach, progressing matters efficiently, responding promptly and addressing issues early to help keep your assignment moving.
Experienced acting for landlords and tenants
We regularly act for both landlords and tenants on commercial lease matters, giving us a clear understanding of the requirements and priorities on both sides of an assignment. This experience enables us to provide practical legal support tailored to your position and the terms of the lease.
Support with the wider assignment requirements
A licence to assign may form just one part of the wider transaction. Depending on the circumstances, an assignment may also require an Authorised Guarantee Agreement (AGA), a new rent deposit deed or a variation to the existing lease. Our team can handle these connected requirements alongside the licence to assign, helping ensure the transaction is completed correctly and efficiently.
Direct access to experienced solicitors
Whether you are a landlord considering a request for consent or a tenant looking to assign your lease, you will have direct access to the commercial property solicitor handling your matter, ensuring you get the trusted advice you need throughout the process.
Meet our commercial property team
Licence to assign support in Hampshire
With offices in Lymington and Lyndhurst, our commercial property solicitors support landlords and tenants across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and the South Coast with lease assignments and wider commercial property matters.
Whether you are based locally or further afield, our team provides clear, practical legal support to help you navigate the licence to assign process effectively.
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FAQs
What is a licence to assign?
A licence to assign is the document in which permission is granted by a landlord to a tenant to transfer their leasehold interest to another party, known as the assignee. Once the lease is assigned, the assignee becomes responsible for paying the rent and complying with the tenant obligations, such as repairing the building.
How does assigning a lease work?
- The tenant applies for consent from the landlord to assign the lease.
- Information about the proposed assignee is provided, including any documents required by the landlord.
- The landlord considers the application and may request financial guarantees or other protections.
- The licence to assign and any related documents are agreed, which may include an Authorised Guarantee Agreement or rent deposit deed.
- The documentation is completed, allowing the lease to be assigned to the new tenant.
Who pays to assign a lease?
The outgoing tenant will usually be responsible for the landlord’s reasonable costs of considering the request for consent, which can include legal, surveyor and administrative fees. Landlords will often require these costs to be paid upfront before progressing the application. Often an arrangement will be made between the outgoing tenant and the incoming tenant to share these costs.
Does a landlord have to accept a lease assignment request?
A landlord should not unreasonably withhold or delay consent to an assignment, but they may have valid grounds to refuse or impose conditions. These can include rent arrears, breaches of the lease or concerns about the incoming tenant’s financial standing. Landlords must also respond to requests within a reasonable time and should take care over how consent is communicated.
What protection does a landlord have when a lease is assigned?
A landlord may require the outgoing tenant to enter into an Authorised Guarantee Agreement (AGA), which can make them responsible if the incoming tenant later defaults. A new rent deposit deed, personal guarantee or other financial security may also be required depending on the circumstances.
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Phone: 01590 676933
Fax: 01590 679663
Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT
