Author Archives: AGR LAW

Starting a new business is exciting, but it’s easy to overlook critical legal requirements while you’re focused on business plans and financing.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential legal aspects every new business owner must address from day one to build a solid foundation for a successful new venture.

Choosing a name for your new business

To avoid any issues, it’s crucial that you choose a unique name for your business. Using one that is already being used by an established business, particularly if it is trademarked, can prove costly as you may be forced to change your business name and pay damages, plus spend time and money rebranding.

Choosing the legal status of your business

The legal status of your business determines:

• Whether you need to register your business with Companies House
• The records and accounts you will need to create
• How much National Insurance will you need to pay
• The level of liability – so what you would be responsible for paying if the business failed

Types of business include:

• Sole trader – the most straightforward option if you are the only owner of the business, as you don’t need to register with Companies House and can complete self-assessment tax returns. As a sole trader you would have unlimited liability, meaning you would be liable for any business debts
• Partnership – two or more people would share the business costs, risks and responsibilities, with each person’s liabilities being proportionate to their share in the business. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) would prevent a partner being liable for another partner’s debts
• Limited company – this offers greater financial protection as the company’s finances are separate from your personal finances. You would need to register with Companies House and adhere to their record-keeping requirements. It can be advantageous in terms of tax and obtaining financing

Paying tax and national insurance as a business owner

You must register your business with HMRC as soon as you begin trading so that you can pay tax and national insurance. This can be done online.

To complete your self-assessment, you need to keep records of your sales and expenses from day one of trading.

Paying VAT

At the time of writing this blog, you need to register for VAT if your taxable turnover (the total amount of money your business receives from the sale of goods and services – not just how much profit you make) exceeds £90,000 in 12 months.

Choosing insurance cover

Some insurance cover is a legal requirement, but some is available as optional extra protection that you may want to take out.

We recommend you consider:

• Motor insurance if you are going to be using your vehicle for work
• Professional indemnity insurance to protect you against claims for losses suffered by customers due to you making an error
• Employer’s liability insurance is required for all businesses with employees. It protects from claims an employee could make if they become ill or have an accident in the workplace
• Buildings and contents insurance to protect your premises and items kept on site
• Business interruption insurance may cover you if you are unable to operate due to external factors
• Cyber insurance can cover you to deal with costs of any cybercrime incidents and enforcements
• Income protection insurance covers a proportion of your income if you become unable to work
• Key person insurance can cover costs if an essential employee or owner dies or becomes critically ill
• Money in transit insurance can cover you against theft of money, cheques and bank drafts during transit
• Product liability insurance protects you against legal fees, compensation costs, and damages if a product you design, manufacture, supply, or sell causes injury to a person or damage to property
• Public liability insurance protects you from any costs incurred if a third party such as a customer, client, or delivery person suffers an injury or damage to property
• Shop insurance protects retailers from costs incurred due to customer injury or property damage on the premises
• Theft insurance can cover lost, damaged or stolen items and is typically combined with another policy, such as shop insurance

Insurance costs are usually classed as tax-deductible expenses.

Local authority licensing and planning permission

Some businesses, such as hairdressers and food outlets, require a licence from your local authority. You may also require planning permission if you’re changing the use of a building.

Employing staff

If you want to employ members of staff, you must comply with employment legislation. You will need to:

• Ensure any employees have a right to work in the UK
• Register as an employer with HMRC
• Pay all staff at least the national minimum wage for their age group(s)
• Enrol eligible employees on a pension scheme
• Issue a statement of employment within eight weeks of a start date to all employees who are expected to be employed by you for at least one month
• Take out employers’ liability insurance
• Have a formal health and safety policy and carry out risk assessments if you employ more than five members of staff
• Comply with employment law under various health and safety, equal pay, discrimination and protection Acts

Employment contracts

To comply with the law, you will be required to provide your employees with a contract. It will need to set out employment conditions, rights, responsibilities and duties. These are known as ‘terms’ and are legally binding.

Contracts should specify:

• You and your employee’s names
• The employment start date, job title or description of work
• Remuneration – how much and when the employee will be paid
• Hours/days of work and where it will be carried out
• Holiday entitlement
• The contract end date if it’s fixed
• Probation period and conditions
• Training and benefits such as food allowance

If an employee is expected to work abroad, you will need to include terms to cover this.

You will also need to provide information on sick pay and procedures, other paid leave such as maternity or parental leave, and notice periods. A wider written statement should also specify details about pension schemes and disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Some terms can be implied, such as employees not stealing from you or you providing a safe working environment.

Employment law is complex and constantly evolving. We strongly recommend consulting with a solicitor when drafting contracts to ensure compliance to protect you and your business. Properly structured contracts also provide crucial protection in the event of disputes or tribunal proceedings.

Consumer protection

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to protect customers from unfair business practices through the Sale and Supply of Goods Act, Distance Selling Act and Trade Descriptions Act.

Data protection – General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

GDPR applies to almost all businesses, as nearly every company handles or stores personal data. These regulations require businesses to process data fairly, securely, and transparently while giving individuals enhanced rights to access, correct, and delete their personal information.

How can AGR Law help?

The legal aspects of starting a business can be overwhelming, and the consequences for getting things wrong catastrophic. We recommend seeking legal advice before you start trading, and as your business grows or develops, to ensure you’re covered in the event of any incidents or claims against you.

Please call 0116 340 0094 or email hello@agrlaw.co.uk for further information.

When you marry or enter a civil partnership, your assets may become matrimonial property. If the relationship breaks down, your spouse or civil partner may be entitled to claim a share of these assets during divorce or dissolution proceedings.

This blog focuses on pre-nuptial agreements (pre-nups) and divorce, but the guidance applies equally to civil partners. Civil partners can draw up a pre-civil partnership agreement (known as a pre-cip) and would dissolve their partnership rather than divorce.

What is a pre-nup?

A pre-nup is an agreement that some couples choose to create before marriage to protect their individual assets. It specifies what each partner owns and how assets should be divided in the event of divorce.

Pre-nups are gaining popularity in the UK as more people recognise they aren’t exclusively for the wealthy. Assets of any value, be that financial, sentimental, or personal, are worth protecting.

Are pre-nuptial agreements legally binding?

While pre-nuptial agreements are not legally binding, courts may take them into account when determining the division of finances and assets in divorce cases.

Do I need a solicitor to draw up a pre-nup if it’s not legally binding?

As pre-nups can be considered by the court, we strongly recommend that agreements be prepared by a qualified solicitor. Demonstrating that you received professional legal guidance before signing your pre-nup also strengthens the chances that the court will uphold or partially uphold it.

How can I talk to my partner about pre-nups?

Planning your wedding is typically a happy and romantic time, which can make discussing a pre-nuptial agreement difficult for fear that your partner might doubt your commitment to the relationship.

As solicitors, we’ve witnessed firsthand the conflicts that can arise when couples divorce without a pre-nup in place. We strongly recommend taking this proactive step to protect your assets and to ensure you’ve had open and honest discussions about your financial situation prior to tying the knot.

Ideally, the conversation needs to take place early on in the engagement, but don’t rush into it as the contents of your pre-nup need to be carefully considered.

Before you talk to your partner, consider why you would like a pre-nup. It could be to:

• Ensure heirlooms stay in your family
• Provide for children from a previous relationship
• Protect yourself from any debts your partner has before marriage or incurs during it
• Safeguard your business, its employees or other owners
• Ensure you’re not disproportionately affected if assets were split equally
• Protect yourself from other county’s laws if you’re marrying someone who is not a UK national or you’re planning to move abroad

Clearly explain your reasons for wanting a pre-nup to help your partner understand that this practical approach protects both of you. Your partner may also realise that they have assets or interests they’d like to safeguard, so let them know they have a say in what is included in the agreement and realise that both of you may need to compromise on some areas.

Find a time when you are both relaxed and can talk privately. Your partner will likely respond negatively if they are stressed or emotions are running high.

If your partner is receptive but not fully convinced, encourage them to conduct their own research and seek independent legal advice. Be aware that the courts will not uphold a pre-nup if there’s evidence of coercion or undue pressure.

What to include in your pre-nup

Your pre-nup should be bespoke to your individual circumstances. It is a financial agreement only, so would not include matters such as access to children.

You can include the following in your inventory and specify how it will be looked after during your marriage and split between you, or retained by you, if you divorce:

• Property you own or jointly own prior to marriage
• Savings
  • How any savings will be added to throughout your marriage – you might decide to both put a percentage of your earnings or a set amount of money into a joint account each month
  • Savings you hold in a sole or joint account prior to marriage
• Who will be responsible for paying what, such as the mortgage or utility bills
• Debts your partner has before marriage that you don’t want responsibility for settling
• Inheritance or inherited items you have or expect to receive from your family
• Valuable assets such as cars, antiques and jewellery that belong to you
• Sentimental assets that you’re attached to or should remain in your family
• Your pension
• Your business or businesses and how you’d like employees and/or other owners to be protected
• Premium bonds you own
• Stocks and shares you own
• Your income and maintenance or spousal support

How AGR Law can help?

Our experienced team can support you and your partner in all matters relating to pre-nups or pre-cips. Appointments can be made jointly or individually if you prefer.

Please call us on 0116 340 0094 or email hello@agrlaw.co.uk for more information.

In this blog, we look at the common reasons people change their or their children’s names and talk you through how to go about it.

Why do adults change their names?

One of the most common reasons for changing your name is following marriage, entering a civil partnership or after a divorce or dissolution.

It’s common for spouses to take on their new husband or wife’s surname, either by changing it from their previous surname or creating a double-barrelled last name combining both of their existing surnames.

It’s also common for people to change their surname back to their maiden name, or the name they had before they were married or entered a civil partnership, upon divorcing or dissolution.

Gender reassignment or wishing to have a name which better reflects identity or a cultural background can also be a reason to change your name.

What about minors?

A child’s name can be changed in one of two ways:

• With a Deed Poll – if the child is under 16 and each person with parental responsibility consents, or aged over 16 and one person with parental responsibility consents
• With a Court Order – if someone with parental responsibility does not consent to the name change of a child under the age of 16

The court will only grant a name change if it’s in the child’s best interests and doing so wouldn’t alter their self-identity. To begin the process, the parent seeking the name change would need to apply for a Specific Issue Order.

How do I legally change my name?

If you wish to change your surname to your spouse’s following marriage or civil partnership, you will only require a marriage or civil partnership certificate. This will provide sufficient evidence to authorities such as the DVLA, your bank, or the passport office.

If you wish to change your name back after divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, you may need to just provide the final or dissolution order but, in some cases, you will also need a Deed Poll.

In all other circumstances, you will require a Deed Poll.

What is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is an official document drawn up by a solicitor when someone wants to legally change their name. It provides evidence of your old and new names and can be used as proof of your new identity to update documents such as your driving licence and passport.

It can be used when you wish to add or remove names or hyphens, or if you want to change the spelling of your name.

Your new name must be pronounceable, not include symbols, numbers or punctuation (with the exception of a hyphen for double-barrelled names or an apostrophe in a name such as O’Connell), and cannot be used to change your title or the capitalised letters in your name. Additionally, it must not be vulgar or offensive.

There are two types of Deed Poll:

• An unenrolled Deed Poll is not registered with the court and does not publicly record your name change. This may be used if you wish to maintain your privacy, such as if you have experienced domestic abuse or stalking
• An enrolled Deed Poll provides a public record of your name change via enrolling it at the Royal Courts of Justice

Both are legally binding, but some organisations only accept an enrolled Deed Poll as proof of your new identity, so we always recommend that this be carried out unless doing so will compromise your safety for the reasons described above.

What are the steps to changing your name via Deed Poll?

To be eligible to change your name via Deed Poll, you will need to be aged 16 or above and a British citizen or resident. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian will need to apply on your behalf.

Our team would begin by drafting your Deed Poll. To do this, we would need your current and new names, your address, and a statement committing to using your new name.

The Deed Poll would need to be signed in the presence of an independent witness who is aged over 18.

If your Deed Poll is to be enrolled, we would submit the necessary documents to the Royal Courts of Justice, along with the fees which you would be responsible for paying.

What happens after you’ve changed your name?

It’s crucial that you update documents and records, such as your:

• Bank, building society or mortgage lender
• Passport
• Employer or an education provider
• Driving licence
• Pension provider
• Utilities companies, internet and mobile phone providers, and TV licence
• Electoral roll
• HMRC
• Police – you have to inform them within three days if you are a registered sex, violent or terrorist offender
• Local council
• Store or loyalty cards
• Insurance providers – car, life, health, etc.
• GP, hospital, dentist and other health providers
• Will, land registry
• Memberships, such as the gym or breakdown service for motorists

If you’ve booked a holiday, you may need to notify your travel company if the name on your booking doesn’t correspond to that on your passport.

Do I need a solicitor to help me change my name?

We always recommend seeking legal advice when changing your name to ensure the process is carried out smoothly and accurately to minimise any errors and challenges that may occur. This is especially important in complex cases, such as when you are applying to court to change the name of a minor.

Please contact our experienced team at hello@agrlaw.co.uk or call 0116 340 0094 to find out more.

Last year, we wrote a blog with practical advice to help separated parents make the festive season enjoyable and stress-free.

In this blog, we talk about the legal steps you can consider taking if you and your ex-partner can’t agree on child arrangements.

Child arrangements in the eyes of the law

Child custody, referred to as child arrangement orders, can be:

• Sole with one parent responsible for the child
• Joint with both parents sharing responsibility
• Other variations, such as grandparents or guardians being granted custody where neither parent is deemed capable

The type of arrangement is always determined by the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.

Anyone with custody of a child will be responsible for making decisions such as where they will go to school, what healthcare they will receive and where, which religion they will follow and other aspects of the child’s life.  This differs from access, where a person is granted time with the child only.

What to do if you and your ex-partner can’t agree on child arrangements

If parents can’t agree on who the child should live with and how much time they spend with the other parent, they are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) as the first step. This is a discussion facilitated by a neutral mediator who will encourage progressive, future-focused conversations until an amicable agreement is reached. Any agreements will be set out in a formal document and made legally binding by the court.

If mediation fails, or if it is not a suitable method due to, for example, domestic abuse, the family courts will decide on arrangements for the child.

Court proceedings begin with completing a C100 form. This is an application to make arrangements for a child or resolve a dispute about their upbringing. There may be fees to pay at this point.

When the form has been processed by the court, you will be invited to attend a series of scheduled hearings. These allow the judge to assess you and your child’s individual situation.

The judge will consider several factors relating to the child’s welfare and the parents’ ability to look after them, as well as the wishes of the child depending on their age and understanding.

To enable the child to maintain a relationship with both parents, courts may grant joint “lived-with” orders, but they will consider any concerns that may compromise the child’s welfare. This could include occurrences of abuse, neglect or violence, parental unfitness, if one or both of the parents has a criminal record, or if one parent intends to relocate.

What is outlined in child arrangement orders?

These orders will typically stipulate:

• Where the child will live and with whom
• How much time they will spend with each parent, plus other types of contact, such as phone and video calls
• Arrangements for school holidays
• Arrangements for special occasions, such as birthdays and Christmas
• Specific Issue Orders – aspects of the child’s upbringing, such as where and how they will be educated
• Prohibited Steps Orders – actions that the court deems must be prevented. These could include taking the child out of the country or changing their surname

What to do if your ex-partner isn’t adhering to the terms set out in the child arrangement order

Begin by keeping a diary and note down how and when your ex-partner has not adhered to the agreement, plus your attempts to make the child arrangements work.

We always recommend talking to your ex-partner in the first instance to attempt to find an amicable solution. If that fails or is not possible, you will need to consider mediation.

If mediation isn’t an option for you or if you fail to reach an agreement that way, you will need to seek legal advice and complete a C79 form. This is an application to the court to enforce a child arrangements order.

In some cases, the court can order your ex-partner to complete community service, pay you compensation to cover any financial losses, or change the terms of your child arrangements order.

In extreme cases, such as where your ex-partner is persistently and deliberately not complying, the court may consider imprisonment.

AGR Law

For the best outcome for you and your child, we strongly recommend legal representation from our experienced, knowledgeable team. Not only will they provide the best legal advice and strong representation, but they will also support you throughout your case.

Please contact us at hello@agrlaw.co.uk or call 0116 340 0094

Kindly note, we will be closed from 1pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will re-open at 9.30am on Monday 05 January 2026.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, new legislation which will reform the private rental market, has gained Royal Assent, meaning it is set to become law.

The Act is the most significant change to private rental law for over 35 years. It aims to improve the system for England’s 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords.

The most significant changes the Act will bring about are:

• Abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
• Restricting landlords from increasing rent more than once a year, with at least two months’ notice
• Stopping landlords from asking for more than one month’s rent upfront
• Creating a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to resolve tenants’ complaints
• Changing the current fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies or ASTs into periodic tenancies
• Creating a Private Rented Sector Database
• Giving tenants stronger rights to request a pet in their property
• Improving housing standards
• Introducing Awaab’s Law
• Ending discrimination against prospective tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits
• Putting a stop to rental bidding
• Strengthening local authority enforcement

Below, we provide a more detailed explanation of each of these points.

• Section 21 notices – ‘no fault’ evictions

Currently, landlords can evict tenants without providing a legal reason by issuing a Section 21 notice. However, under the new legislation, the Section 21 regime is to be abolished, landlords must use a Section 8 notice (the grounds for which are going to be expanded) and have a valid legal reason, such as rent arrears, or the landlord wishes to sell the property, to ask tenants to leave. Additionally, landlords will be prohibited from selling or moving into the property within the first 12 months of the tenancy.

• A move to annual rent increases

Landlords will only be allowed to increase rent once per year, and they must provide tenants with at least two months’ notice before making any changes. Any clauses in tenancy agreements stating that rent can be raised more often or through other means will no longer be valid.

If tenants believe their annual rent increase is excessive, they have the right to challenge it at the Property Tribunal.

• Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be abolished

New and existing ASTs will change to rolling monthly or weekly assured periodic tenancies with at least two months’ notice (Section 8 Notice) and no end date.

• The amount a tenant pays upfront

Landlords will be prohibited from requesting more than one month’s rent upfront. Councils will have the authority to fine any landlord who asks for or accepts a higher upfront payment.

• A new ombudsman for private sector tenants and landlords

A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be introduced. Its aim will be to resolve tenants’ complaints quickly, fairly and impartially. It will also bring systems of complaint resolution to be dealt with more swiftly.

• A new Private Rented Sector-wide database

A new database will assist landlords in understanding their legal obligations and demonstrating ongoing compliance. Tenants will gain access to improved information, empowering them to make informed decisions when entering into a tenancy agreement. Local councils will be better equipped to target enforcement activities. Additionally, landlords must be registered on the database in order to be entitled to use certain possession grounds.

• Tenants’ rights to have pets

Landlords will be required to consider tenant requests for pets and may not unreasonably refuse permission. They can, however, request that tenants obtain insurance to cover any potential pet-related damage to the property.

• Changes to housing standards

The Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the private rented sector to improve safety and value.

• Awaab’s Law

The law, introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a toddler who died due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, will set clear legal expectations for landlords to take action when hazards are reported.

• Discrimination

Under the new laws, landlords and agents will no longer be able to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.

• Rental bidding

Landlords and agents will no longer be able to practice ‘rental bidding’ where they ask for, or accept, “offers above” the advertised rent.

• Local authority enforcement

Civil penalties will be expanded, new investigatory powers introduced, and local authorities will be required to report on enforcement activity.  The new fines will range from £7,000 – £40,000.

Summary

The new laws will streamline the tenancy system, making it easier for both tenants and landlords to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Tenants will benefit from greater security over their home, as Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) are being abolished, and possession grounds are becoming fairer. Landlords will still be able to reclaim their property when it is reasonable to do so, but that reasonableness will need to be approved by the Court. The changes will prevent ‘backdoor evictions’ by unscrupulous landlords, and tenants will have stronger protections to challenge excessive rent increases intended to force them out.

Prospective tenants will be treated more fairly, regardless of whether they receive benefits, have a family, or wish to own a pet. Home safety and overall value will be enhanced through improved housing standards, the introduction of Awaab’s Law, and the elimination of rental bidding.

The cost of renting a property will become more transparent, as landlords will no longer be able to request more than one month’s rent upfront, raise rent more than once a year, or engage in rental bidding. A new ombudsman and stronger local authority enforcement will ensure greater accountability for landlords who fail to meet standards.

How AGR Law can help you

While the new database will enhance clarity and help councils more easily identify non-compliance, we strongly recommend that both tenants and landlords seek tailored legal advice regarding rental matters, as individual circumstances can vary significantly.

The new laws will introduce substantial changes to both new and existing tenancy agreements. It is advisable to have an experienced, qualified solicitor review contracts before signing to ensure full understanding and protection of your rights.

Please contact us at hello@agrlaw.co.uk or 0116 340 0094 if we can assist you.

Footnote: At the time of writing, the new laws are expected to be rolled out from 01 May 2026.

Most people experiencing domestic abuse have probably been asked, “Why don’t you just leave?”

The reality is that escaping to safety requires careful planning and execution. If the perpetrator suspects that you are planning to leave, matters can escalate, resulting in increased danger to you.

We advise you to seek specialist advice that considers your personal circumstances to support you in leaving your partner. We have included further information and contact numbers at the end of this blog.

In addition to seeking specialist help, we recommend considering the following.

Finding a safe place to stay

Your safe place could be:

• The home of a trusted friend or family member who will not pass any information to your partner. Choose a place that your partner doesn’t know, so they cannot trace where you are
• A refuge – Charities might be able to help you find a refuge space and can sometimes arrange for you to travel there for free. More information can be found at the end of this blog
• A home in your local authority – Some local authorities have a legal responsibility to provide housing for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, as they are deemed ‘unintentionally homeless’ in the eyes of the law. This applies to anyone with or without children. You need to apply to the local authority responsible for the area you are fleeing to, which may not be the one you currently reside in. You will need to apply in writing, and the local authority has around three months to decide the outcome of your application. They should place you (and any children) in temporary accommodation such as a bed and breakfast or a refuge until they have reviewed your application

Planning a safe route

You will need to think about where you can find safety and how you will get there without your partner monitoring you. Consider your partner’s daily routine and choose a safe time to leave.

Make sure your partner can’t track your movements and only accept help from people you can trust who won’t disclose your whereabouts if your partner asks them.

If your house has cameras that show the outside you might not want, for example, to use a taxi firm that picks you up from your door as the firm’s details may be visible.

What you need to take with you

If you can create an emergency bag without your partner seeing you or finding it, we recommend it contains:

• Cash
• Documents such as birth and marriage certificates, ID documents, documents relating to tenancy or mortgages, your driving licence, national insurance number card and your passport. Also take copies of any bills that are in your name
• Your keys
• Some clothes
• Any medication
• Your phone(s), a charger and emergency numbers

If possible, you could keep your bag at your safe space or a friend’s house so it is available should you need to leave in a hurry.

Other actions we recommend you take

• Get any important post redirected
• Secure any bank accounts to prevent your partner obtaining credit fraudulently. Credit agencies such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion can check your credit rating free of charge to find out if there are any debts in your name that you’re not aware of. Take screenshots of any fraudulent attempts and speak to your bank about them
• If you have a joint account with your partner, contact your bank as soon as possible to move money to your own account or withdraw money

Considering ways your partner might track you online

In this increasingly digital-reliant world, it’s important to think about all the ways your partner might be able to find out where you are, read your messages and emails, block you from your accounts or impersonate you.

If you think your abuser might have access to your phone, you could make plans to leave using a friend’s phone or buy a cheap second phone that you keep switched off and hidden when not in use. Make sure you disable emergency alerts to prevent it from sounding, and take it with you when you leave.

Hiding your location

Most devices and apps use your location, and an abusive partner with access to this information may be able to find you.

• Go through your apps and check your location settings are not switched to ‘always’ and toggle ‘precise location’ to off. Please note, turning off location services will not prevent emergency services from being able to find you
• Check your cloud account for apps such as Find My Phone or a photo backup app, which autosaves images taken with your device’s camera

Change your passwords and set up two-factor authentication on:

• Accounts that use your location, such as Netflix or Amazon, keeping in mind that others might be notified of changes if accounts are shared
• Your email account, especially if it is linked to your social media, banking apps or work accounts
• Payment apps, such as PayPal
• Fitness apps, such as those which track jogging routes
• Travel apps, such as Uber or Trainline, which might reveal your destination
• Takeaway and food delivery accounts and apps containing a delivery address

Check that the password recovery details are yours.

Other actions to help you stay safe online

• Remove connections to any linked devices that your partner can access. Delete any online searches related to searching for support, but not your entire browsing history as that might look suspicious when you’re planning to leave
• Think carefully before posting on social media and remove any friends or followers who are connected to your partner
• Create new gaming accounts as these contain billing details and IP addresses

Are you or a family member in immediate danger?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please ring 999 and ask for help from the police. Domestic abuse is a crime and will be treated as such.

The Silent Solution

If you need to call 999, but you’re unable to speak because it would put you or someone else in danger, you can use the Silent Solution ideally using a mobile phone.

• If you’re calling from a mobile phone, make yourself heard by coughing or tapping your keypad, then press 55 when prompted to confirm there is a genuine emergency. Your call will be transferred to the police
• If you’re calling from a landline, and the operator can only hear background noise, the call will be transferred to a police handler

Getting help to find safety

Refuge has a 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline that women can call free on 0808 2000 247. Operators will be able to support you to understand your options and help you make an escape plan. They can also tell you about local specialist services and help you find a refuge place.

Men can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm) or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).

If you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support.

How AGR Law can help you

Our experienced team can support you if you need legal advice on any type of domestic abuse. Please call us in confidence on 0116 340 0094 or email hello@agrlaw.co.uk

Commercial leases can be complex, even for people who have run businesses for a long time or leased several properties from which they operate.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensuring you can build a good relationship with your landlord and minimise the possibility of any disputes occurring, which can cost you money, inhibit your ability to run your business and even damage your reputation.

Your lease agreement

The obligations of you and your landlord must be outlined in a commercial lease agreement prior to occupancy. This is a key, legally binding contract, so we highly recommend that yours is drawn up by a solicitor to protect your interests by ensuring terms are fair and compliant, with all points and eventualities covered.

Once the lease agreement is drawn up and signed by you and your landlord, both parties must adhere to it otherwise the agreement may be deemed to have been breached.

What should a lease agreement include?

Below is a brief outline of what should be included in a lease agreement as a minimum:

• Your name, address and contact details, as well as those of the landlord
• A detailed description of the property and the areas the agreement relates to
• How the property will be used and operating hours
• Start and end dates (typically 12 months minimum) and renewal terms, including the notice period
• Rent costs and terms of the lease, plus how any increases will be implemented
• Additional charges, such as maintenance or utility bills
• Your deposit and the conditions under which it will be returned or retained
• The maintenance and repairs you and your landlord will be responsible for, and health and safety
• Approvals for any improvements or modifications made to the property
• Insurance you and your landlord will hold
• Who will be responsible for property taxes
• Operating expenses, including communal areas
• Sublease and assignment terms
• Default and termination conditions
• How disputes will be managed and resolved
• Provision for events such as natural disasters or landlord bankruptcy

What are your rights as a commercial tenant if your landlord fails to comply?

As well as the requirements set out in your lease agreement, and assuming you are complying with the terms, your landlord should permit you ‘quiet enjoyment’ which enables you to use the property without interference.

If your landlord fails to comply with this or something else outlined in your lease agreement, they may have breached that agreement.

Your rights begin when you enter a legally binding, valid commercial property lease. You continue to have rights until it ends and sometimes beyond.

To find out more about how the law protects you, read our blog ‘commercial landlord and tenants’ responsibilities – legal obligations you should know’.

Resolving disputes

Although legal action is sometimes necessary, we recommend first trying to talk constructively to your landlord to resolve the issue, unless a serious breach has occurred, such as failing to provide safe premises which results in death, injury or accident. Not only will this be less costly and stressful than involving a solicitor, but it will also help to maintain a good relationship with them.

Always raise issues at their initial stages before matters escalate and become more difficult to resolve.

Log details of all meetings and follow them up with letters and/or emails so you have written evidence of your conversations. Also note details of all incidents that relate to the dispute, including dates, times and locations. Take photographs and videos where possible. This evidence may be needed in the event that the dispute reaches the courts.

If that approach fails, mediation may be necessary. This is where an impartial third party facilitates future-focused discussions to reach an amicable agreement. Courts sometimes insist mediation is attempted prior to beginning proceedings.

If mediation also fails, legal action may be necessary to find a satisfactory outcome.

Going to court

Going through the courts can be stressful and should be viewed as a last resort, as the high costs may outweigh any damages you might be awarded.

In England and Wales, courts have a procedure they must follow for commercial property cases. This is:

• Attempting to resolve the dispute through communicating and exchanging information, as outlined above
• Sending a formal letter to your landlord outlining the dispute, the basis of the claim and how you want the dispute to be resolved

Court proceedings are then initiated and:

• Your landlord must acknowledge the service of the claim within a set time period
• They can then file a formal defence and respond to the allegations made
• They may submit a counterclaim if they have claims against you
• The court may schedule a Case Management Conference to discuss the case
• Both parties will then be required to exchange evidence. Statements from witnesses and experts may be used
• A pre-trial review would only thereafter be held if the court deems this to be appropriate
• If settlement has not yet been reached, the case then goes to trial and a judgment will determine the outcome. This can be appealed if you or your landlord are dissatisfied with a point of law that was considered

How AGR Law can help

Entering into a commercial lease is a significant commitment, so we urge you to contact us prior to signing a lease agreement, however nice a landlord may appear and regardless of anything they verbally promise.

If disputes occur, our team will fight your corner to resolve them, minimising stress for you and disruption to your business.

Contact our team on hello@agrlaw.co.uk or call us on 0116 340 0094.