A free booklet to help retailers make significant property cost savings by actively engaging with their landlords has been launched by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The Property Management Checklist outlines simple steps every retailer should take to ensure they are receiving value for money for the property services they pay for. Areas of advice covered are rent, service charges and energy-use.
Helpful tips include:
- Asking for monthly rents when the lease comes up for renewal or at the rent review;
- Ensuring service charge bills are compliant with the Service Charge Code of Practice;
- Encouraging your landlord to meter energy-use separately for each shop.
Elizabeth Hinde, head of property at BRC, said: “Property bills can account for up to 40% of retailers’ costs. But for many small retailers this figure could be even higher with property being their biggest expense.
“The Property Management Checklist arms retail tenants with easy to follow advice on how to engage effectively with landlords and managing agents to achieve value for money.
“In these tough times, it’s essential for retailers and their landlords to make savings where possible – otherwise the spectre of boarded-up shops will continue to blight our high streets.”
Source: British Retail Consortium (BRC)
