The Government is proposing to ban Upwards-Only Rent Reviews (UORRs) in all new commercial leases – a positive step towards a fairer, more flexible leasing system. Making Moves, London’s largest occupier-only office consultancy, strongly supports the reform and its benefits for occupiers.

We are calling on policymakers to ensure it is implemented in a commercially workable, legally sound way, shaped in consultation with the tenants, landlords, and professionals it will affect.

 
What’s Changing
This reform forms part of the draft English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which also proposes restrictions on rent collars – clauses that prevent rents from falling, even when market values do. While still in its early stages, the proposed changes could have a significant impact on commercial leasing across the UK.

At present, many commercial leases only allow rent to remain the same or increase at review – never fall – even if market rents go down. The bill would change this by allowing rent to move both up and down in line with real market conditions.

 
Why We Support It
At Making Moves, we work exclusively on behalf of tenants, helping businesses secure leases that support flexibility, growth, and long-term success.

We believe this reform is a step in the right direction. Upwards-only rent reviews are outdated and often unfair – they disconnect leases from the market and leave tenants exposed to rigid terms. Banning them would bring much-needed balance and fairness to the system.

 
Reform Must Be Done Right
If poorly implemented, the reform could lead to unintended consequences that make it harder – and more expensive – for businesses to secure suitable office space. Risks include:

• Higher starting rents, as landlords price in additional risk
  Fewer incentives, such as rent-free periods or fit-out contributions
  Shorter, less secure lease terms
• More complex and prolonged negotiations
• Reduced confidence in the market from both occupiers and investors
• We want to see fairer lease structures – but they must be introduced in a way that maintains confidence, flexibility, and transparency in the London office market

 
What We’re Asking For
We are calling on the Government to:

• Consult directly with occupiers and industry professionals – the people who actually sign and negotiate these leases
• Ensure reforms reflect real market dynamics – not just political headlines
• Avoid blanket rules that reduce tenant choice or increase costs
• Build a balanced framework that protects occupiers, encourages investment, and supports long-term market health

Why This Matters to You
If your business leases office space – now or in the future – these changes could affect:

• How your rent is reviewed and renegotiated
• The flexibility or incentives you can negotiate
• The long-term cost and risk profile of your lease
• Wider impacts on business rates and market conditions
• Overall confidence in London as a place to grow and invest
• These reforms will shape lease structures for years to come. If not carefully managed, they risk pushing up costs and limiting occupier choice – the very issues they aim to address

 
What You Can Do
Sign this petition to support lease reform that works for tenants – not against them.

Help us call on the Government to engage with occupiers, understand the realities of the market, and implement change that delivers a fairer, more transparent leasing system without unintended consequences.