Get clear advice on make good before costs and handover issues escalate

It can clarify what the lease appears to require when the premises are handed back. That may include whether alterations must be removed, whether reinstatement is needed, what repair standard may apply and whether the obligation is broader than the make good clause alone. In many leases, the answer sits across several provisions rather than one heading. We look at the wording in context and explain the points most likely to affect cost, timing and your position in any discussion with the other party.

This consultation is commonly used by tenants preparing to leave premises, tenants budgeting for exit works, and landlords checking the likely strength of a make good position before discussions begin. It can also help where a business has carried out alterations during the term and wants to understand whether those works may need to be reversed later. The service is a good fit when you want a one-off legal view on the clause and its practical effect, rather than broader help with ending the whole lease relationship.

The signed lease is the key document, but supporting material can make a real difference. Useful documents may include deeds of variation, licences for alterations, side letters, schedules of condition, photographs, fit-out approvals, dilapidations correspondence and emails about reinstatement or handover. Make good issues often depend on both the wording and the history of the premises. If the background is incomplete, the advice may need to be more qualified, so it helps to provide as much relevant material as you have available.

Broader work is often needed where the issue has moved beyond interpretation of the clause and into active disagreement. For example, that may happen if the landlord has made a detailed demand, if there is a dispute about alterations or condition, or if handover timing has become contentious. It can also be sensible to expand the work where assignment, termination, rent arrears or consent issues are tied into the same exit. This service is intentionally narrower than full lease termination support and is aimed at make good advice only.

After the call, you should have a clearer view of what the lease may require and which points are likely to matter most in practice. That may mean obtaining quotes for works, gathering evidence about the state of the premises, preparing for negotiation or deciding whether a broad reading of the clause should be challenged. Some clients stop at that stage and handle the next steps themselves. Others ask for further legal help if the issue develops into active negotiation, formal claims or a wider lease exit problem.

Working with us is simple. Start by submitting an enquiry through our website using the form at the top of this page or on our Get Started page. A legal project manager will review your enquiry within 1 business day and reach out to understand your needs.

They'll send you a fixed fee quote outlining costs, scope, and timing. If you're happy, you can accept and sign our engagement letter online. Once that's done, we'll connect you with an expert lawyer who will complete your project via email, phone, or video chat, with the timing confirmed in your quote.

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At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from £100 to £1,500 depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Sprintlaw UK operates fully virtually, with the team working online across the UK to provide support to startups and small businesses nationwide. Many of our team are based in London and often meet at co-working offices, but our operations remain fully digital, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for both our clients and team.