Nine Pack

Thanks John, that helps confirm what we thought, that the fees they were quoting are ridiculous. They have since agreed to cap it at £1000+vat but I'm still not happy & we are insisting that both parties be responible only for thier own legal fees.
I have said the same to the estate agent as you did, do they really want to lose a long term tennant over a matter of £2k when they stand to get £400k from us over the lease period? I doubt very much that when push comes to shove that they'll let us walk, but like I say, we will walk if we have to. I absolutely will not be had over a barrell by these people. The commercial leasing arrangements always favour the landlord with very little allowance for the tennant. Domestic tenancy laws are quite different & I see no reason why the commercial side should be so heavily in favour of the landlord. We aren't asking for anything unreasonable.

I'm going to find out for exactly how long this unit has been stood empty. I know it's for at least six months, but I reckon it's been empty for a good 2 years or so, maybe more. I have an 'insider' who can tell me so I'll do some digging tomorrow. Either way, we are not taking any more bullsh1t on this as it's now become a matter of principle. We don't want anyone thinking we are pushovers.