Company lets are tenancies where a company signs the agreement rather than an individual. If you are a renter, or dealing with a letting to a business in England, it is important to know how rent, deposits and contract terms differ from standard private tenancies. This guide explains when a landlord must protect a deposit, how rent increases are handled, what forms you might need, and where to take disputes if a company is the named tenant. I explain terminology in plain language, give practical examples a renter can use when communicating with landlords or agents, and point to the official government and tribunal resources to resolve deposit or rent disputes.
What is a company let?
A company let is a contract between a landlord and a corporate tenant (for example, a limited company). Many company lets are treated as commercial arrangements rather than the usual assured shorthold tenancy (AST) signed by an individual. That matters because some tenant protections that apply to individual renters do not always apply where the tenant is a business. Always check the written contract to see whether the agreement is described as a company tenancy, licence or commercial lease and whether the occupier is named as an individual or as a company.
Deposits: when protection applies
In England, landlords who take a deposit for an AST must usually protect it in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme and give prescribed information to the tenant. Where the tenant is a company, the contract may fall outside the TDP rules, so a landlord might not be required to protect that deposit in the schemes that protect individual renters[1]. If you are an individual occupier who personally paid a deposit, or if the contract names an individual tenant or guarantor, protection rules can still apply — check the contract wording carefully and ask for written confirmation.
Practical steps to check or challenge a deposit
- Check whether the deposit appears on a tenancy agreement and ask the landlord where it is protected.
- Request the prescribed information in writing if you suspect the deposit has not been protected.
- Keep dated records: emails, bank transfers and photographs of the property condition.
Official forms and when to use them
If you need to start a formal money claim for unpaid rent or a deposit, the standard Claim Form (N1) is used by many people to ask a court to order payment. For example, a renter who paid a deposit and is refused repayment could complete an N1 to claim the deposit back if informal resolution fails; the form sets out the amount claimed and the reason. If a landlord seeks possession for breach or unpaid rent, the same or other court forms may be used by landlords. For disputes about tenancy rights or some property matters you may instead apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or follow a deposit scheme's dispute process — check the right route before filing forms[2][3].
Rent increases and contract terms
Company lets usually follow the written contract for rent reviews and increases. Where the occupier is an individual AST, statutory rules (and certain notice forms) can apply; however, where a company is the tenant the landlord and tenant are generally bound by the contract terms, so a contractual rent review clause or a negotiated agreement governs increases. Always ask for clear written confirmation of any proposed rise and check whether the tenancy is periodic or fixed-term before responding.
If you disagree with an increase
- Request the landlord to confirm the basis and effective date in writing.
- Gather comparable rents for similar properties to support your position.
- If talks fail, consider mediation or an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) where appropriate.
Ending a company let and eviction
How a tenancy ends depends on the contract. For fixed-term agreements the contract normally runs to its end date unless both parties agree otherwise. For periodic tenancies, look at the written notice clause and any landlord obligations. If a landlord pursues possession, court or tribunal procedures vary depending on the tenancy type. Respond quickly to any formal notice and get evidence of your communications and payments.
FAQ
- Are company lets covered by the Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme?
- Not always. If the named tenant is a company the tenancy may fall outside TDP rules, but if an individual tenant or guarantor is named then deposit protection can still apply; check your written agreement and ask for prescribed information.
- What can I do if my deposit was not protected?
- Start by asking the landlord in writing for details and a refund. If that fails, you can use the deposit scheme dispute service if the deposit was meant to be protected, or consider a money claim using the court claim form or seek tribunal help depending on the case.
- How can a landlord lawfully increase rent in a company let?
- Rent increases in company lets are usually controlled by the written contract or a negotiated rent review clause; check the agreement and seek independent advice or tribunal help if there is a dispute.
How-To
- Check whether the tenancy names a company or an individual and whether the deposit was paid under a regulated AST.
- Ask the landlord in writing for prescribed information about any deposit and keep a dated copy of your request.
- If informal steps fail, use the deposit scheme dispute process where available or prepare the appropriate official form (for example, a Claim Form N1) or apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) as applicable.
Help and Support / Resources
- Tenancy deposit protection on GOV.UK
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance
- Housing Act 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
