Commercial Property Lettings

Summary

The Asset Management section offers a broad range of property for rent. Properties may range from a lock-up shop to offices, individual garage sites to major residential development sites, a single workshop or advanced factory unit to industrial sites, grazing land to agricultural land and schools, depots and elderly persons homes.

Renting real estate in your region has become even easier with a new e-communications venture.

Asset Management manage the land and property portfolio of the Council providing an estates management service including:

• Sales
• Lettings
• Acquisitions
• Property Management
• Asset Valuations
• Insurance Valuations
• Professional Property Advice

Information contained on this page refer to general terms on a number of common features, and are likely to be found within the Authority's Commercial Leases.

You are also reminded, that it is the terms of your specific lease that apply and whilst this page contains general information, it should not be assumed that they override the terms detailed in each specific lease.

You are also reminded that this information is not considered a substitute for independent professional advice and we advise you to locate a Solicitor/Licensed Conveyancer or a Chartered Surveyor if you are seeking to take on a commercial lease.

Provision of small workshops and offices on "easy-in", "easy-out" monthly licence terms and Business Advice is accessible by telephoning 01226 770277 or by e-mailing businesscentres@barnsley.gov.uk.

Eigibility

This service is available to all businesses and residents with an interest in renting land and properties managed by the Council.

Procedure

Applications or enquiries will be received by e-mail or in writing.

Helplines

Contact the Asset Management section by telephoning (01226) 774605, or by email: AssetManagemnt@barnsley.gov.uk

Contact BMBC's Managed Workspace by telephoning 01226 770277, or by e-mail: businesscentres@barnsley.gov.uk

Charges/Fees

It is wise to remember, that as a commercial tenant, you will be liable for a number of accommodation related costs which are above the normal day to day running expenses.

Typically the following costs may also apply:

Rent / License Fee
You will be responsible to pay us rent for the premises you are occupying. All rental payments are due as specified in your lease or tenancy agreement and are normally payable in advance. Payment is usually by direct debit.

Licence Fees are charges that are normally applicable to managed workspace and are payable on a monthly basis.

Non-Domestic Rates (Business Rates)
Each premises has a different rating, and details of the charges can be found by contacting the Council's Non-Domestic Rates Section. It is normally expected that payments are made monthly. If the premises are located in a business centre, you will be issued with a monthly invoice.

Insurance
The Council insures the premises, the premium being recharged to the tenant. However, it is your responsibility to satisfy yourself as to the extent of cover, to obtain additional cover if required and to obtain contents insurance.

Service Charges
Normally apply to office and industrial premises, however, on occasions they are also levied on commercial premises. If they apply they will be detailed within your lease and could cover services such as repairs, cleaning, security etc.

Legal and Surveyors Fees
You may be required to meet the Council's costs with regard to preparing your lease and any consents or licences that may be needed during the time of your tenancy. These are one off costs and are chargeable on an as and when required basis. You may also be responsible for paying the Council's legal fees should you breach the terms and conditions of your tenancy that requires action to be taken by the Council.

Method of Payment Available

Cash
Cheque
Direct Debit
Debit Card
Credit Card
Standing Order

Opening Times/Locations

Asset Management
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
Springfield House,
Springfield Street,
BARNSLEY.
S70 6HH.

Monday to Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

How the customer can help

It will help us if you include in your enquiry your telephone or mobile phone number and your full postal address.

If your enquiry is about a specific property or piece of land it will help us if you are able to describe it by the postal address or in relation to the property next door to it.

We may ask you to submit a sketch plan with dimensions to help identify it.

Application Form References

For applications to rent property you will need to supply a bank reference and two trade or character references.

We will send you an application and reference form to complete and return.

Leaflets

Letting particulars may be available online at the Asset Management website. 

Distribution Points

Asset Management
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
Springfield House,
Springfield Street,
BARNSLEY.
S70 6HH.

Legislation

Although the council is landlord, it is separate and independent from its role as Planning Authority. Whilst the landlord may indicate approval to a particular trade, this does not mean that you have planning permission to commence that trade.

You are advised to contact the Council's Planning Development Control Section for further advice, by telephoning (01226) 772580.

The planning history of the premises will be important, as this will indicate what classification it currently sits under, and will determine whether a change of use is required before you can commence trading.

Websites

Asset Management

Network Property North

Barnsley Development Agency

Response Times/Next Steps

We will respond to your enquiry within 5 working days.

Out of Hours Procedure

Asset Management is not open outside the opening times as stated in the 'Opening Times/Locations' section above.

Owner Officer Contact Details

You will be advised of the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the officer dealing with your enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I view a property?
First of all we recommend that you visit the property to ensure that the location and environment would be suitable for your business.

Alternatively, contact the Asset Management section on (01226) 774605, or the Business Centre who are responsible for the premises in order to view the property internally.

How do I make an offer?
You will be advised of the procedure by the officer dealing with your enquiry.

How do I change the use?
If you are already a tenant, the Council as your landlord and owner must agree to the change of use specified in your lease or tenancy in writing. You will have to pay the costs of this and must make an application by e-mail or letter to the Asset Management Section.

You may also have to make an application for planning permission to change the use and pay the appropriate fee. The Planning Department will advise you whether planning permission is required and the amount of the fee. They can be contacted by telephoning (01226) 772580.

The Council's tenancy or lease requires that tenants comply with the use specified in the tenancy or lease.

Can I make an offer on a property that is already 'under offer'?
'Under offer' means that we have formally offered a lease to an applicant, subject to contract, and the legal documentation is in the process of being completed.

We would not normally consider new offers for the property while the solicitors are dealing with the matter. However, from time to time, applicants withdraw, or do not make satisfactory progress and the property is then taken out of the 'Under Offer' category and new offers are invited.

How much are the business rates?
You will be responsible for paying business rates separately to the Council. This can be calculated by multiplying the Rateable Value by the current rate poundage. You can see the Rateable Value on the Valuation Office Agency's website or by contacting the Council's Non-Domestic Rates Section.

Will my rent go up during the lease?
Your lease will specify when the rent will be reviewed. This usually means that the rent will increase on the dates set out to reflect any increases in market rents for similar properties. In some cases, the increase is a fixed sum agreed when the lease was first granted. It is important to check your lease to be sure whether there will be a rent review and, if so, how the new rent will be decided.The rent payable under a tenancy will normally be reviewed by written notice to terminate the tenancy and the offer of a new tenancy at a new rent. The length of notice, which must be given, should be stated in your tenancy agreement.

What happens if I don't pay my rent on time?
We expect our tenants to pay rent and service charges on time. If an account falls into arrears, it is likely that the Council will charge interest in accordance with the terms of the lease and it may be necessary for bailiffs to be instructed to collect the amount owed.

This procedure involves extra costs for the tenant, so you will save money if you pay the rent when it is due.

If you are having problems paying on time, it is important that you inform us as soon as possible of the reasons. Then we may be able to discuss a way forward.

What happens when my lease comes to an end?
This is a complicated subject on which you should get advice from a solicitor or a chartered surveyor experienced in commercial property management. Although the length of the lease may seem to be clear, the law says that in some circumstances a lease will continue unless the landlord or the tenant takes specific action to bring it to an end by the service of written notice in the prescribed form and for the correct period. You should not assume you can merely vacate the property at the end of the lease as you will continue to be liable for rent if you haven't given proper written notice.

Related Links:

• Barnsley Development Agency
• Network Property North
• Asset Management