Property Licences

2. The Agreement

A licence represents a legal agreement with the landlord. The agreement should be short, simple and written in plain English, but you will still need to check all the details thoroughly.

2.1 Is the name of the landlord correct?

• Does the landlord own the property?
• Does the landlord have the right to grant licences in this way? Even property licences arranged with local authorities and Enterprise Agencies need to be checked.

2.2 Are your name (given under Licensee), the period of the licence, the address and description of the premises, and the notice period all correct?

• If you trade as a limited company, make sure the licence is made out in the name of your company and not your personal name.

2.3 Does the agreement specifically cover all the free services you expect to have provided at no extra cost? For example:

• Electricity, heating and airconditioning.
• Communal services, including reception and any security services, and the use of toilets, kitchens and other common parts of the premises.
• Cleaning, window cleaning and refuse collection.

2.4 Does the agreement include the provision of other services and facilities you are expecting?

• Office services, such as a telephone answering service, typing and copying.
• Basic office furniture.
• Telephone lines, including the lines you may need for Internet access and fax machines.
• Parking spaces.

2.5 What else does the licence agreement cover?

Typical clauses will say that:

• You may not transfer the licence, sub-let all or part of the premises, or share the space with others.
• You do not acquire any tenancy or leasehold rights.
• You and your employees must all conform to the terms of the licence.
• You are not allowed to alter the premises in any way - even to make improvements at your own expense.
• The landlord will not be liable for any of your losses.
• The landlord is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the property and the provision of communal services.
• The landlord is responsible for insuring the premises, and any furnishings and fixtures that come with the premises. All other insurances are usually your responsibility.