When a rent review is looming, it will pay you to contact me.

I specialise in reducing property costs for retailers.

A consultant surveyor actively involved in the commercial property market for more than 40 years, I started specialising in rent review and lease renewal in 1975. Consequently, I have a tremendous amount of practical experience and, although I never promise miracles, I can often substantially reduce proposals and achieve superb results.

I help businesses with one or more branches, throughout England and Wales. For superb negotiating skills and forward-thinking advice, many Clients have used my services regularly for more than 30 years, numerous retailers treat me as their 'property department' and many more count on me for professional advice at every step of their way.

I deal with all types of shop and commercial property, including banks, betting shops, restaurants, launderettes, showrooms, offices, supermarkets, stores, retail warehouses, trade counters, in town centres, suburbs, shopping malls, factory outlets and retail parks; and I have advised on more than 5000 shops.

Anyone can read a lease, but knowing what to look for is what really counts

Full of pitfalls for the unwary, negotiation involving a business tenancy is complex, embracing expertise of lawyer and surveyor. With me on your side, you will enjoy the best of both worlds.

I can advice behind-the-scenes, or you may leave it all to me. Serving notices as necessary, I handle negotiations start to finish, keeping you informed and, where necessary, liaising with your solicitor so, instead of you being swamped with paperwork, all you have to do is say yes.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Michael Lever

About - Autobiography

Born 1949 in Ealing, educated at City of London School, my property career began at Montagu Evans, London in 1967. In 1971, I joined my late father's firm, Fineman Lever & Co, Chartered Surveyors. In 1975, I established my practice in Harrow, NW London to specialise in rent review and lease renewal. In 1993, I moved my office to Ledbury, Herefordshire.

As well as advising Clients, I contribute to professional wisdom by writing about rent review, lease renewal, business tenancy law, and shop property. My publications have been bought by thousands of solicitors, barristers, chartered surveyors, accountants, students, property companies, investors, industrialists, banks, and multiple retailers.

My letters and articles appear in Estates Gazette, Law Society's Gazette, Solicitors' Journal, Chartered Surveyor, Arbitrator, Estates Times, The Grocer, Financial Times, Property Law Bulletin, Central (Institute of Directors), Investor's Chronicle, Property Week and Retail Week.

I am mentioned in a Blundell Memorial Lecture and a 'footnote' in 2 law books - 'Land Options' by Barnsley (1980) and 'Drafting Business Leases' by Lewison (1981). In 1984, I launched Current Review. In 1995, I was awarded a prize for my essay on the Future of Town Centres and Retailing in a competition sponsored by Marks & Spencer. In 1996, I received a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Law Society. In 2007, I launched an on-line resource www.rentreview.org. I have experience as executor and trustee. I am a member of the Shop Agents Society.

In spare time, I play badminton, do a bit of weight-lifting, and help out in my wife's shop, selling organic and natural skin care products.

With an unusually good understanding of retailing and property, my services are often recommended by surveyors and lawyers.

To contact me, please telephone 01531 631892 or email help@michaellever.co.uk

Michael Lever

Rent Review

At rent review, the outcome depends on the terms and conditions of the lease, and any associated documents.

Leases contain guidelines for operating the review, agreeing the rent and resolving disputes. Generally, rent is based on the market rent, the comparable evidence of premises nearby. However, because there is no standard lease in use generally, guidelines can vary. Terminology can be obsolete. Each landlord and tenant is different, psychology plays a part. Every shop is different, valuation adjustments must be made. So, because business tenancy law and valuation work both ways, the landlord, or the tenant, is often in a stronger position.

Faced with a hefty proposal, tenants may think the outcome will be a foregone conclusion, but that's not true. A different interpretation of a word or subtle phrase can often result in a considerable advantage.

[Coming soon] To give you an idea of what can be achieved, please click here for some examples. Of course, what I have achieved for others doesn't mean I could do something similar for you but when you instruct me, I shall, at least, be able to do my best.

To contact me, please telephone 01531 631892 or email help@michaellever.co.uk

Michael Lever

Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

To resolve a dispute, a rent review is referred to an arbitrator or independent expert, depending on the method in the lease. Arbitration is a means of resolving disputes without going to court. Determination by independent expert involves different rules.

Although ‘going to arbitration’ is often seen as a last resort, referral can be a ploy in negotiation. Even so, it is not a step to be taken lightly. There is no point in referral for the sake of it. It is not about leaving it to the arbitrator or independent expert to decide. The case must be presented in a way that makes sense technically.

Understanding the legal and practical differences between arbitration and independent expert, how to influence procedure and conduct a case, can make a huge difference to the outcome.

Even if you are using another adviser or negotiating yourself, you can instruct me to handle dispute resolution proceedings and act for you.

To contact me, please telephone 01531 631892 or email help@michaellever.co.uk

Michael Lever

Free information and newsletter

Free 'click a topic' information is by download to pdf. For best results, I recommend using the latest Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe, by clicking here.

I have prepared the information as a slide show. If the pdf appears in a browser, you may save a copy onto your computer (Shift+Ctrl+S, (Mac: Shift+Cmd+S) and then open the file. To turn pages manually, use the arrow keys on your keyboard.

For ideal presentation, please view pdf in Full Screen Mode. The pdf should ask you to allow Full Screen Mode but if not Ctrl+L (Mac: Cmd+L) on your keyboard should do it. Each page should turn automatically after 30 seconds. At any time, you may turn pages manually, using the arrow keys on your keyboard. You can return to normal view mode at any time by pressing Esc on your keyboard.

Click a Topic
Lease renewal: what happens when a lease expires

Current Review - The Michael Lever Newsletter

In 1984, I launched a newsletter, Quarterly Commentary, later renamed Current Review. All about business tenancies, shops and retailing, CR has attained a reputation for incisive comment and accurate prediction. When you become a Client, you will automatically be on the mailing list. In the meantime, please click here to read a sample issue.

I hope you find the above information useful. If you have any questions, then please contact me: telephone 01531 631892 or email help@michaellever.co.uk

Michael Lever

Fees

Unlike surveyors that charge as much as they possibly can, I have always charged as little as I possibly can. Consequently, my fees are often considered exceptionally good value for money. Nowadays, with rising prices generally, you may find my attitude a refreshing change.

To find out how much it would cost to use my services, you can download a brochure and/or please contact me, telephone 01531 631892 or email.

Thank you

Michael Lever