Renting out a shop in Slough: a guide for landlords and small businesses

Have an empty shop unit to let, or looking for premises to start or grow a business? Slough’s high street, local parades and busy roads such as Farnham Road are home to all kinds of independent shops, cafés, salons and services. This guide covers both sides: how to rent out a shop in Slough, and what to check if you’re looking to rent one.

Part 1: Renting out your shop

1. Get the property ready

• Clean and repair the unit, and make sure the shopfront, shutter, lighting, heating and toilet all work.
• Check the safety basics: an electrical inspection, a gas safety check if there are gas appliances, and working fire alarms and emergency lighting where needed.
• Get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Commercial properties usually need a valid EPC to be let, and in England and Wales there’s a minimum energy rating for most lettings. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.
• Measure it: tenants want to know the floor area in square feet, the frontage width and the ceiling height.

2. Know what it can be used for

Most shops, cafés, offices, gyms, salons and clinics in England fall under Use Class E, which means they can often switch between those uses without planning permission. Some uses, such as hot food takeaways, pubs and launderettes, usually need planning permission. If you’re not sure, check with Slough Borough Council’s planning team. Every shop ad on Benta shows the use class, so tenants know what’s possible.

3. Set the rent and terms

Look at similar units nearby, taking into account the size, location, footfall and condition. Then decide the main terms you’ll offer:

• Rent: Benta shows rent as a monthly figure, so tenants can compare easily. Say whether VAT is charged on the rent.
• Lease length and break clauses: shorter leases and break clauses appeal to new businesses.
• Repairs: who is responsible for repairs and insurance. Many commercial leases make the tenant responsible for most repairs.
• Deposit: how much, and whether you’ll ask for a personal guarantee.
• Service charge, if the unit is part of a larger building.
• Rent-free period, which you might offer while a new tenant fits out the shop.

4. Write an ad that gets enquiries

Include the floor area, use class, monthly rent, business rates information if you know it, what’s included (such as a kitchenette, storage, toilet or parking), when it’s available, and what’s nearby. Good photos make a big difference: the shopfront from across the road, the inside empty and well lit, the back rooms and the street outside.

Ready? Post your shop on Benta. Choose A shop to rent, add the size, use class and photos, and your ad goes live straight away. It’s free.

5. Check your tenant

Ask about their business plan and experience, and ask for references, such as a previous landlord, an accountant or their bank. For new businesses, a larger deposit or a personal guarantee can give you extra security. Never accept rent in cash without a receipt.

6. Use a solicitor for the lease

Agree the main terms in writing first (often called “heads of terms”), then ask a solicitor to draw up the lease. Commercial leases are legal contracts that can last for years, and the details really matter, including whether the tenant will have a right to renew at the end.

Part 2: Looking for a shop to rent

1. Work out the total cost

Rent is only part of it. Budget for:

• Business rates, which tenants usually pay. You can look up a property’s rateable value on GOV.UK. Small businesses may get relief, so check whether you qualify.
• VAT on the rent, if the landlord charges it.
• Service charge, insurance and utilities.
• Fitting out the shop, signage and equipment.
• Legal fees for the lease, and the deposit.

2. Check the location

Visit at different times of day and on different days. Watch how many people walk past, where they’re going, and which other shops are nearby. Check parking, bus stops and how easy it is to get deliveries in. Ask the neighbouring businesses what trade is like.

3. Check you can use it for your business

Make sure the use class fits what you want to do. You may also need:

• Food business registration with the council before you open, if you’ll sell or prepare food.
• A premises licence if you’ll sell alcohol or provide late-night refreshment.
• Consent for signs, especially illuminated ones.

4. Inspect it carefully

Look for damp, leaks, cracks and signs of pests. Check the shutter, heating, electrics and toilet. Ask about the EPC rating, as it affects your energy bills. Take photos of the condition before you move in, and attach them to the lease if you can, so you’re not charged for existing damage later.

5. Negotiate and get advice

Ask for a rent-free period to cover your fit-out, a break clause in case trading is slow, and a clear limit on the repairs you’re responsible for. Always have a solicitor check the lease before you sign.

6. Stay safe

• Never pay a deposit or rent before you’ve viewed the shop and met the landlord or agent.
• Be wary of rents far below similar units, or “landlords” who can’t show the inside.
• Pay deposits and rent by bank transfer to a business or named account, not in cash.
• Keep your chat on Benta until you’ve arranged a viewing.

Got a unit to let, or looking for your next shop? Browse shops to rent in Slough or list your shop for free, and chat directly with businesses and landlords nearby on Benta.

Letting a room instead? Read our guide to renting a room in Slough.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or planning advice. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK, Slough Borough Council or speak to a solicitor or surveyor about your situation.