Lenington, Gratton, & Associates LLP
Pennsylvania Office: 724-271-8300  |  Florida Office: 850-374-8549
724-271-8300

Practical, Efficient And Personable Legal Services

Let Our Commercial Lease Attorneys Draft Or Review Your Lease

Last updated on July 23, 2024

Whether you are a commercial property owner or a commercial tenant, it is important to have a carefully drafted lease that effectively minimizes risk and protects your investment. Our commercial lease attorneys at Lenington, Gratton, & Associates know how to draft leases that clarify expectations for both parties while minimizing the potential for costly disputes.

To set up a consultation, please call us in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at 724-271-8300 or Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at 850-374-8549, or complete our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Alabama and Florida.

Our Commercial Property Lawyers Have Experience In Commercial Leases For Many Types Of Properties

No two businesses are exactly the same, and no two commercial spaces are exactly the same. Our attorneys can draft or review a commercial property lease that accounts for your specific needs. We have experience in many types of industries, including:

Leasing these types of properties comes with unique considerations for property owners and tenants. You can rely on our attorneys to take a forward-thinking approach that protects your interests now and in the future.

See our Commercial Real Estate FAQ to learn more. Our Commercial Landlord-Tenant Dispute FAQ is also a great resource.

How Our Commercial Lease Attorneys Can Help

We aim to draft a lease that protects your interests in the space you’re providing and reduces the risk of potential disputes. We can do that by:

  • Ensuring that your requests comply with municipal zoning rules
  • Ensuring that your agreement is legally enforceable
  • Stating the specific requirements and expectations of space use by tenants
  • Stating the potential remedies and damages if tenants violate the contract
  • Identifying potential liabilities and loopholes within the agreement

Before we draft your commercial property lease, we will meet with you to learn about your business, how it operates and the goals you’d like to achieve by leasing your commercial property. Then, we can tailor your lease to meet your needs and address all the potential implications above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Property Leases

When it comes to commercial property leases, there are some common questions that business owners often have.

What are the different types of commercial leases?

There are several types of commercial leases, but the most common include:

  • Net Lease: The tenant pays a base rent plus a portion of the property’s expenses, such as taxes, insurance and maintenance.
  • Double Net Lease (NN): The tenant is responsible for base rent plus property taxes and insurance premiums.
  • Triple Net Lease (NNN): The tenant pays for all or most of the property costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and maintenance.
  • Gross Lease: The tenant pays a flat rental amount, and the landlord pays for all property expenses.
  • Modified Gross Lease: A mix between a gross lease and a net lease where the tenant and landlord share some of the property expenses.

How is the rent calculated in a commercial lease?

Rent in a commercial lease can be calculated in various ways, but the most common methods include:

  • Square Footage: Rent is often based on the total square footage of the space leased.
  • Percentage Lease: Common in retail, the tenant pays a base rent plus a percentage of their revenue.
  • Escalation Clauses: These clauses allow for predetermined rent increases to occur at specific intervals during the lease term to accommodate for inflation and increasing property values.

What is a CAM charge and how does it work?

CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges are fees paid by tenants to help cover the costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance of common areas in a commercial property, such as hallways, parking lots, and landscaping. These charges are typically prorated based on the tenant’s share of the total building space. CAM charges can be fixed or variable, depending on the terms of the lease.

Can I negotiate the terms of a commercial lease?

Yes, commercial leases are often negotiable. Tenants can negotiate various aspects of the lease, including but not limited to the rent amount, lease duration, renewal options, rent increases, tenant improvements, sublease and assignment clauses, and termination rights. It’s advisable for tenants to work with a commercial real estate attorney to ensure the best possible terms.

Understanding these aspects of commercial leases can help potential tenants make informed decisions when considering renting a commercial space. It’s important to thoroughly review and understand all the terms of the lease agreement before signing it. Our commercial property attorneys can review the lease before you sign. We can also negotiate for for favorable terms, as well as work to resolve any disputes that may arise.

When evaluating a commercial lease, consider the location, the condition of the property, the length of the lease term and how these factors align with your business goals. Also, think about the future needs of your business and whether the lease provides the flexibility necessary for growth and changes.

Finally, keep in mind that each commercial lease is unique, and the specifics can vary widely. Paying attention to the details and clarifying any terms that are unclear can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the lease agreement meets your business’s needs.

Contact Our Commercial Property Lease Lawyers Today

We are here to answer your questions and help you find practical solutions. Our attorneys have offices in Pennsylvania and Florida, and we can be reached in Canonsburg at 724-271-8300 or in Fort Walton Beach at 850-374-8549. You can also contact us by email to set up a consultation.