Your Responsibilities as a Commercial Property Tenant

As a tenant, you have responsibilities for maintaining the premises and for the welfare of the occupants, which you may share with the landlord.

You have to comply with health and safety regulations include maintaining a suitable temperature, keeping the property clean and free of waste and providing sanitation and washing facilities. You also need to carry out an assessment of risks within the workplace.

As the tenant you will be responsible for gas safety, you must ensure that gas appliances are maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Responsibility for maintaining gas heating equipment may lie with the landlord depending on the terms of the agreement.

As with any business premises you will be responsible for fire safety, including fire prevention methods and training staff in fire safety. If there is more than one tenant in the office space, the landlord or managing agent must ensure fire safety regulations are met in the areas they control.

Electrical safety responsibilities will vary depending on the type of agreement you have. You will have to carry out a risk assessment of your use of electricity within the workplace and ensure safe working practices. You are unlikely to have to take care of wiring systems and electrical equipment, which will usually be the responsibility of the landlord.

You are likely to be responsible for carrying out internal repairs in the building. You may also be responsible for external repairs depending on the terms of your agreement. It's important to check your liability in this area before signing the contract.

More information as to your responsibilities can be found from Leicester City Council.

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