Navigating a Commercial Rent Review in Folkestone: What You Need to Know
If you're a landlord or tenant in Folkestone, a rent review approaching in your commercial lease can feel daunting. Is the proposed increase fair? Am I protected? Do I need professional help?
At Olden Property, we’re chartered surveyors and valuation negotiators specialising in rent review services across Folkestone and East Kent. Below, we outline what a rent review means, why expert advice matters, and what steps you should take to protect your interests.
What Is a Rent Review?
A rent review clause is standard in many commercial leases, typically triggered every 3 to 5 years. The clause will usually set out:
How the rent should be reviewed (for example, by reference to market rent, by fixed or stepped increases, or via an index).
When the review takes place (specific dates or windows).
How challenges or negotiations should be handled.
However, it’s not as simple as the landlord proposing a figure and you accepting it. That’s where interpretation, evidence gathering, and negotiation come in.
A fair rent requires careful consideration of lease terms, the condition of the property, and local market data. Missteps here can leave you overpaying—or undervaluing your property.
Why You Should Consider Expert Help
A commercial rent review is as much about strategy and evidence as it is about numbers. Here’s what a qualified rent review surveyor brings to the table:
Independence & Compliance: We are RICS-compliant, ensuring our advice is impartial and professionally regulated.
Lease interpretation: Many disputes stem from ambiguous or complex clauses. Our experts know how to read and apply them correctly.
Comparable evidence: Local data is critical. We collect and present recent lettings and reviews from within Folkestone and nearby areas.
Negotiation skills: We’ll take on the back-and-forth, aiming for a robust settlement without forcing you into arbitration.
Dispute resolution preparation: If agreement can’t be reached, we can assist with arbitration, expert determination, or court proceedings.
Who Benefits-from Landlords to Tenants
Whether you own or occupy commercial premises, a rent review is a pivotal moment:
Landlords
Make sure the review is triggered timely and correctly.
Achieve full, market-aligned rents (not losing out to outdated terms).
Avoid under-renting because of misinterpretation.
Tenants
Assess whether the landlord’s proposal is justifiable.
Challenge unjust or overly aggressive increases.
Understand your rights before signing on the dotted line.
The Step-by-Step Process
Review your lease to understand what type of review is required (market, fixed, indexed, etc.).
Inspect the property, noting condition, repairs, and any constraints.
Gather comparables from similar lettings in Folkestone (retail, offices, industrial, or mixed-use).
Present a valuation supported by strong evidence.
Negotiate with the other party—allowing for counter-offers.
If agreement fails, escalate via arbitration or expert determination.
Folkestone Market Insight & Local Focus
In Folkestone, commercial property types are varied:
Retail premises along High Street, Tontine Street, or the Harbour Arm.
Office space in town centre or seafront locations.
Industrial / warehousing on business parks or in West Folkestone.
Mixed-use / hybrid premises combining retail, office, or leisure.
Our valuations draw on up-to-date local comparables and on-the-ground knowledge, making our recommendations robust and defensible.
We cover rent review services across:
Folkestone town centre
Harbour and seafront locations
Industrial estates in West Folkestone
Surrounding towns and villages in East Kent
Fees, Expectations & Transparency
We believe in clarity from day one:
Bespoke fee proposals tailored to your property’s type and complexity.
No hidden costs: everything is outlined before work begins.
In some cases, savings from negotiation outcomes can influence how fees are structured.
Final Thoughts & What You Should Do Next
Rent review is a critical process, not a formality. Whether you're a landlord seeking full market rent or a tenant worried about overpayment, the right professional help can make a significant difference.
If your lease in Folkestone is due for review, don’t leave it to chance. Get in touch early. Let’s walk through your lease, scope the market, and build a compelling case.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Olden Property for a consultation and protect your interests in the upcoming rent review.