As the number of empty town-centre retail units increases, there is increasing pressure on Ls to allow charities, and other social organisations, into those premises free of charge. In return, of course, L will save on rates and outgoings, as well as having the benefit of someone occupying a unit (rather than it being vacant).

The Department for Communities in Local Government has produced two standard form leases with Denton Wilde Sapte and these are generally known as ‘meanwhile’ leases. They are standard-worded and can be downloaded free of charge. They are specifically drafted for non-commercial Ts and should not be used for commercial lets. They are intended for short-term lets. The key points are:

there is no rent payable. But, there is a flat-rate service charge and insurance payment;

there are provisions for a damage deposit to be paid by T;

the lease includes contracting-out provisions in respect of security of tenure under LTA 1954;

there are provisions requiring T to pay L’s costs;

L can display a letting board (and if L finds a commercial T then there are break clause provisions).

There are two standard meanwhile leases; one applies when the non-commercial body takes the lease direct from L, and the other when an intermediary (eg LA, charity, or town-centre management partnership) takes the lease from L and then sub-lets to the temporary occupier. See www.meanwhile.org.uk.