Midlands Office

01543 478900

North East Office

0191 221 1999

North West Office

01257 238666

Scotland Office

01324 489583

Yorkshire Office

01924 282020

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer two main types of leasing arrangements: standard tenancy agreements and formal leases.

Standard Tenancy Agreements
We provide a range of flexible agreements designed to suit different business needs:

  • TA2 Agreement – Our standard and most common agreement. This covers a 3-year term with annual break options.
  • TA3 Agreement – A fixed 3-year term, offering a 5% rent discount for committing to the full term.
  • TA1 Agreement – Also a 3-year term, but with a 3-monthly rolling break option for maximum flexibility. A 10% rent premium applies due to the increased flexibility.

Formal Leases
A formal lease typically runs for a minimum 3-year term and requires both parties’ solicitors to prepare and negotiate the document.

Depending on the property, agreements may be offered on either an FRI (Full Repairing & Insuring) or IRI (Internal Repairing & Insuring) basis.

The key difference relates to repair responsibilities:

  • FRI Lease (Full Repairing & Insuring):
    The tenant is responsible for all repairs, maintenance, and insurance for the whole property – both internal and external.
  • IRI Lease (Internal Repairing & Insuring):
    The tenant is responsible only for internal repairs and insurance, while the landlord maintains the external and structural elements.

What is the difference between an FRI and an IRI agreement?

You will be required to pay:

  • Rent – Monthly in advance (or quarterly in advance for lease agreements)
  • Service charge or maintenance rent
  • Contribution towards buildings insurance

In addition, tenants are responsible for:

  • Business Rates
  • Utilities
  • Their own Business / Contents Insurance

What payments will I need to make?

What is the difference between a service charge and maintenance rent?

Both cover the upkeep and management of the estate’s communal areas, including cleaning, repairs, and maintenance.

  • A service charge is variable and reconciled annually, which may lead to additional charges or refunds depending on actual costs.
  • A maintenance rent is fixed for the duration of the agreement, offering more certainty over costs.

Before moving in, you will need to provide:

  • A rental deposit
  • The first rental payment (If you move in before the 15th of the month you will be invoiced from the 15th to the end of the month. If you move in after the 15th of the month you will be invoiced from the move in date to the end of the month along with the following months payment in full)
  • An administration fee

What initial payments are required?

For flexible tenancy agreements:
Once we have your completed application form and credit checks have been carried out, agreements can typically be completed within just a few working days. You may move in immediately once terms are agreed, initial payments are made, and the unit is vacant.

Will a credit check effect my credit score?

We only carry out soft checks so there will be no impact on your credit score.

We will monitor your company throughout the course of your tenancy to ensure there is no business risk to the company

For formal leases:
Formal leases generally take 6–8 weeks to complete, as the lease is prepared and negotiated by solicitors. However, the application form, credit checks, and offer paperwork are still completed within a few working days.

How long does the application process take?

To arrange a viewing, please contact the regional office for the area in which the property is located:

  • Scotland: 01324 489583 / scotland@northerntrust.co.uk
  • North East: 0191 221 1999 / northeast@northerntrust.co.uk
  • Yorkshire: 01924 282020 / yorkshire@northerntrust.co.uk
  • North West: 01257 238666 / northwest@northerntrust.co.uk
  • Midlands: 0121 523 2929 / midlands@northerntrust.co.uk

You can also reach us via the website contact form or our online chat service.
A dedicated Asset Manager will conduct your viewing and act as your primary point of contact throughout your tenancy, ensuring a personal and consistent service.

Your Asset Manager will guide you through each step, but in summary:

  1. Complete an application form.
  2. Our Credit Control team will carry out credit and identity checks.
  3. Once approved, your Asset Manager will confirm acceptance and issue the Heads of Terms.
  4. When terms are agreed, you will arrange payment of initial monies.
  5. Your tenancy agreement will be sent electronically via DocuSign.
  6. Once signed and completed, your Asset Manager will meet you at the property to hand over keys and provide your Welcome Pack.

DocuSign is a secure cloud-based platform that enables electronic signing, sending, and management of documents. All signatures are legally binding and supported by a full audit trail.

Signature, Witness & Guarantor Requirements:
Please ensure all DocuSign documents are completed fully and accurately, including:

  • Your signature, full name, and address
  • Details for any Witnesses or Guarantors
  • All witnesses must be independent from you and any Guarantor

Incorrectly completed documents may need to be reissued, causing delays.

Our dedicated Credit Control team will be happy to assist.
Contact them on 01257 238555 or email creditcontrol@northerntrust.co.uk

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact our Credit Control team as soon as possible so we can discuss your situation and explore options.

BACS, Direct Debit, All major credit cards except Amex – payments over £10k will be subject to a 2.5% admin fee.

If you wish to vacate, you must provide written notice in accordance with your agreement.

Within four weeks of receiving your notice, our Building Surveyor will contact you to arrange an inspection and prepare a schedule of dilapidations outlining any works required. When returning the property, you must also provide valid gas and electrical safety certificates.

For further detail on your Lease or Tenancy Agreement, and guidance on day-to-day responsibilities, please download our Occupiers & Estate Regulations Handbook.