Warehouses, factories and trade counters

Industrial rent review and lease renewal surveyors for landlords and tenants

For landlords and tenants of warehouses, factories and trade counters, we gather the relevant evidence, inspect the premises, analyse your lease and use our negotiating skills on your behalf to ensure the best outcome for you. It starts with our free, no-obligation lease analysis.

Book a free lease analysis Call 020 7487 4451

A warehouse or industrial unit's rent at review is based on its open market rental value, worked out from comparable evidence and compared per square foot. We act for landlords and tenants of industrial property from 500 to 250,000 sq ft, and our consultant chartered surveyor, Barry Smith, has over 30 years in commercial property, specialising in warehouses and trade counters across the UK. We'll analyse your lease free of charge.

For landlords

Can your industrial property achieve a higher rent?

When a rent review or lease renewal occurs, we gather the evidence and negotiate the best rent your property should be achieving.

Achieve the market rent. We review your lease and seek comparable evidence to present to your tenant, to secure the current market-level rent.
Start on time. The rent is usually valued as at the review date, so waiting for the market to rise won't help, and ignoring a review can strain relations with your tenant.
Settle a dispute. If negotiations fail, we can represent you and put your case in writing at arbitration or expert determination.

What could a higher rent be worth?Try our rent review calculator

More for landlords: rent reviews for landlords

For tenants

Facing a large rent increase on your warehouse or unit?

If your landlord has proposed a revised rent at review or renewal, we will negotiate to ensure the lowest and fairest rent possible.

Protection from an unwarranted increase. Since 1966 we have represented tenants of industrial and warehouse units faced with a rent uplift, protecting them from any unwarranted increase.
The lowest comparable evidence. A tenant needs the lowest possible comparable evidence to strengthen their negotiating position, and the lease itself may contain clauses that affect the bargaining power of either side.
Meet the deadlines. Some leases give a tenant as little as 21 days to object to a proposed rent, so talk to us as soon as a notice arrives.
Lower the rent at renewal. At a lease renewal it is common practice for rents to reduce, and we often negotiate a new rent below the old one.

What will the rent increase cost you?Try our rent increase calculator

More for tenants: rent reviews for tenants

How we help with a rent review or lease renewal

We analyse your lease free of charge, negotiate on the evidence, and settle by agreement or, if it comes to it, arbitration.

Free lease analysis
We'll analyse your lease without charge and in confidence, and explain our fee options: fixed, performance-based, or both.
We negotiate on the evidence
We build your case from comparable rents, drawing on our own property database, and negotiate with the other side or their representative.
Agreement or arbitration
Most cases are settled by negotiation. If not, your lease may provide for arbitration or expert determination, and we'll put your case.

What really stood out was their calm, proactive approach to negotiation and how smoothly they managed the entire negotiation process from start to finish.

John BryceGoogle review

Talk to us early. Some leases set strict time limits for rent review notices, and missing one can be costly. Read: Time can be of the essence

Book a free lease analysis

Industrial rent reviews: your questions answered

Why have industrial rents been rising?

Limited supply. Prime headline rents for industrial and warehouse units have risen whatever their size, some by as much as 10% a year, and in some areas the loss of industrial land to residential development has made the shortage worse. If you are a tenant facing a rent review or lease renewal, talk to us without charge, and let us explain how we can cost-effectively protect and improve your position.

What happens if an industrial rent review can't be agreed?

If the lease allows it, either side can ask the RICS to appoint an arbitrator or an independent expert. Both put their case in writing, and the decision on the rent is final. RICS charges a £425 fee just to make the appointment, and most rent reviews are agreed by negotiation instead. Barry Smith's work includes arbitration and expert witness work.

How should an agreed rent review be recorded?

In a signed rent review memorandum. A rent review can be agreed verbally, and the agreement is binding if there is evidence of the conversation, but a signed memorandum is the evidence that protects both landlord and tenant.

Read: A gentleman's handshake is not always enough

Are upwards-only rent reviews being banned?

Yes, in new business leases in England and Wales, but not yet. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, and once its rules are in force the rent could go down at a review as well as up. Existing leases are not affected, but a lease renewal agreed on or after 17 March 2026 can be caught. The Government has not yet set the start date.

Who will handle your rent review?

Our founding partner Richard L Daniels, Barry Smith, our consultant chartered surveyor for warehouses and trade counters, and our dedicated rent review team, who give personal attention at all times.

Richard L DanielsFounding partnerFounded the firm in 1966; five decades in commercial and industrial property.rld@richardlionel.co.uk
Barry SmithConsultant chartered surveyorOver 30 years in commercial property, specialising in warehouses and trade counters across the UK, including arbitration and expert witness work.b.smith@rlpts.co.uk

Meet the whole team

Other commercial property we cover

Rent reviews and lease renewals on retail, office and industrial premises, and on medical, dental and veterinary practices, from 500 to 250,000 sq ft, for landlords and tenants across the UK.