Managing a nursery comes with many responsibilities, including staying on top of property-related matters. From lease renewals to safety inspections, keeping track of these important dates will help protect your nursery and keep things running smoothly.
1. Lease renewal dates
If you lease your nursery’s premises, it’s crucial to know when your lease is due to expire. Diarise the renewal date well in advance – ideally, at least 12 months before the expiry. This gives you plenty of time to negotiate terms or find alternative premises if needed. Missing the renewal window could result in higher rent, or worse, losing the property entirely. If you’re unsure about the lease terms, check with your solicitor.
2. Rent review dates and break clauses
Many commercial leases include rent review clauses, often scheduled at regular intervals throughout the lease term. These reviews can result in an increase in rent, so it’s important to be prepared.
If your lease includes a break clause, which allows either party to terminate the lease early, diarise the dates. Break clauses often come with specific notice periods and conditions, so missing a key date could mean losing your chance to end the lease early or triggering penalties.
3. Mortgage renewal or refinancing
If you have a mortgage on your nursery premises, diarise the end date of your current mortgage term. Well before it expires, review your options to either renew or refinance. Interest rates and lending criteria can change, so consulting with a financial advisor or mortgage broker early on can help you secure the best deal.
4. Health and safety inspections
Regular health and safety inspections are a legal requirement for nurseries in the UK, and failing to keep up with them can lead to fines or worse, a temporary closure. Common inspections to diarise include:
- Fire safety checks: Schedule annual fire risk assessments and check that all fire alarms, extinguishers, and safety equipment are in good working order.
- Electrical testing: Commercial properties must hold undertake a number of electrical safety tests on a frequent basis e.g Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
- Gas safety checks: If your nursery has gas appliances, an annual gas safety check is essential to ensure everything is up to code.
- Water testing (Legionella): Regular water safety tests are needed to protect against Legionella, especially if your nursery has large water systems.
Staying on top of these tests keeps your nursery compliant and ensures the safety of children, staff, and visitors.
5. Insurance renewal
Your nursery’s insurance policies – such as building, contents, public liability, and employer’s liability – should be reviewed and renewed annually. Diarising the renewal date ensures you don’t face gaps in coverage, and it also provides an opportunity to compare quotes to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
6. Planning permission or licences
If you’ve had to secure planning permission or a licence to operate your nursery, diarise any renewal dates or conditions attached to them. Failing to renew these permissions can lead to serious legal issues or even the forced closure of your nursery.
