Lease executed/completed, but L never handed it over

[CelticStar]

Once a commercial lease is signed what happens to it? When I signed a lease 18 months ago my landlord took the lease and I have never seen it since. Could anybody tell me whether a landlord has to 'file' a lease with a solicitor or official body or whether both parties just keep a copy for their own records?

Thank you.

[Poppy]

Did you employ a solicitor to set up the tenancy? If so, your solicitor has the signed agreement and you should ask for a copy of it.

If you did not use a solicitor (please say it's not so) then the landlord has the signed agreement and you should ask for a copy of it.

[Paul_f]

You are certainly entitled to a copy of your lease, and until it is signed by the landlord and sent to you it doesn't strictly become enforceable as he cannot impose any of the terms and conditions upon you.

There are two ways of completing a lease, one with two identical documents one signed by each party and exchanged, or one doument signed by both
parties from which you should have been given a copy. Unless you know what terms and conditions you're expected to comply with then there is no obligaiton on you to do so. I would wirte to your landlord now and state that until you do receive a copy of the lease signed by him then you do not expect to be bound by it.