What are the Legal Implications when Moving Office?
Moving Office Legal Issues
As with everything in business, there are legal considerations to take into account – this includes office moves. So don’t get caught out, follow our handy tips and make sure you comply with all the relevant legislation. The Office Lease is a legally binding document that governs how you’re required to act when leasing office space. The complexity of the document and its inevitable jargon can be confusing, but help is at hand in the form of good Property Agents and Property Solicitors. Understanding the legal issues connected to relocating a business will help you feel confident that you’re doing everything to comply with the letter of the law.
Leaving on good terms
Firstly, make sure that you check the terms of your existing office lease and make a note of everything you need to do to terminate your contract on good terms. For instance, it’s likely that you’ll be required to leave the premises in a clean state, conduct any routine maintenance and remove any bespoke fixtures or fittings that you may have installed.
Negotiating a good deal
This is where a good Property Agency is worth his or her weight in gold. There’s no such thing as a standard office lease, everything is negotiable, so make sure your agent secures commercially favourable terms that mirror the needs of your business – and fit with your budget. Hire a reputable Property Solicitor to talk you through the process of leasing office space and evaluate whether the terms of the lease are in line with your business aims and reflect what you've verbally agreed with the landlord.
Knowing your obligations to employees
The first thing you’ll need to do is check you’re not in breach of employee contracts by moving office. If you’ve included a mobility clause in the contract, it’s absolutely fine to change the employee’s place of work with reasonable notice. If not, you may be obliged to offer a redundancy package if an employee refuses to relocate to your new office.The Moving Office Employment Law Checklist summarises all the legal implications surrounding your obligations to employees. It’s worth reading this before announcing your office move to staff.
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