We are a commercial tenant in a large industrial unit and at present we are paying considerable heating costs for the premises. We want to improve our green credentials and, if possible, also make savings on heating for the company. We propose to install solar panels into the property. We have contacted our landlords but they do not appear to be keen to assist with financing the work. Do I have any legal right to seek a contribution from my landlord?

A business tenant has a right to obtain compensation at the end of their tenancy for certain improvements to property in some circumstances. To qualify the improvement must not be made within three years of the end of the tenancy. There must be no existing obligation on the tenant to carry out the work under your lease, or by law. The tenant has to serve a notice on the landlord setting out the proposed improvement work and the landlord has three months to object. If the landlord objects, a Court would then decide whether it is appropriate for the tenant to be compensated for the works considering whether the work will add letting value, be reasonable and suitable and not diminish the value of the property.

This is an under used area of law which can give tenants real bargaining power in seeking to have improvement work carried out on their property. However, the provisions are complicated and therefore you should take legal advice and carry out a cost benefit analysis.