Licence to Occupy Agreement - for Multi Let Building

Guidance require on how to amend and add clauses to a Licence to Occupy Agreement without it being in danger of being interpreted as a "Lease."


1) We own a small mini mall that has been split into smaller units and let via licences to occupy.

2) The mall was to be split at the valuation office so that each licensee is responsible for their own business rates.

3) The valuation office however has rejected our application on the basis that the existing licence says that "the licensor retains control, possession and management of the property." As such they are now rating the building for business rates as 1 single property putting us at a financial disadvantage.

4) We have obtained a new licence agreement template with the correct wording that we have been told is "VOA compliant" for the purposes of splitting the building for business rates purposes. The template is attached.

5) We need assistance on amending the licence to add some bespoke terms but need to be careful that by doing so the agreement is not in danger of being interpreted as a "lease." Hence we require some legal guidance and assistance. In total there are approximately 10 bespoke points that we wish to add to the agreement.

6) We also need guidance on how to enforce the terms of the new licence agreement. e.g. will licences need to be signed again by licensees or can we enforce the new terms by default?

This task needs to be completed by 5pm on Friday 20th March at the latest.

The sample agreement is attached to this job posting. We would prefer fully insured solicitors to apply for this job, but will also entertain applications from other professionals who do not have legal insurance, so long as this is reflected in the price.