Negotiating a commercial business lease is a complex process requiring knowledge and research of the area, the building, its past occupants, the owner and more. For a new business owner, this can be intimidating. Prior to finalizing a lease, it’s wise to contact a corporate business lawyer for assistance.

The in-house general counsel at InnovaCounsel can help with office, retail and industrial leases as well as landlord/tenant relationships. They can give an in-depth explanation about what the lease is detailing, and if it is beneficial or detrimental to the business owner.

New business owners sometimes become so excited about the prospect of the “perfect” location or building and end up glossing over important negotiating points. Some things to keep an eye on while looking over a commercial lease include:

• Rent Increases and Renewal Options
• Maintenance Fees
• Utility Charges
• Responsibility for Repairs and Upkeep
• Subleasing
• Exclusivity
• Co-tenancy Clause

Landlords would rather have lessees sign long-term contracts, but over-committing to a longer lease could be detrimental to a smaller business. Having fees for maintenance, utilities and repairs outlined in detail will help to avoid issues later on who pays for what. Subleasing, exclusivity and co-tenancy are clauses business owners can build into their lease with help of an attorney to protect themselves and their investments.

The InnovaCounsel attorneys have a vast network of legal professionals with experience in many areas of corporate business. They have worked with businesses of every size and are skilled in providing pragmatic solutions to everyday problems. This is useful when negotiating a commercial lease. They can develop unique solutions to ensure the satisfaction of both parties.