Negotiating a Commercial Lease

Commercial lease basics for small business owners.

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Negotiating a commercial lease is a complicated task for many small business owners and managers. This section will guide you through key issues such as how to choose space, negotiate favorable lease terms, understand the difference between a gross lease and a net lease, choose a commercial real estate broker, and much more.

The Basics of Commercial Leases

Negotiating and Signing a Commercial Lease
A landlord's proposed lease is just the starting point from which you can negotiate changes.
Commercial Leases: Negotiate the Best Terms
Save money by knowing where landlords are willing to make concessions.

Negotiate the Best Lease for Your Business Get the Book

The articles you find here were adapted from the book, Negotiate the Best Lease for Your Business, by Janet Portman, published by Nolo.

This practical handbook explains how to analyze space needs, find the ideal location and then get the best possible terms.

When it comes to business, there is no standard lease! Buy the book from Nolo »

In-Depth Topics on Commercial Lease Negotiation

Using a Commercial Real Estate Broker
Find out how to find, choose and use a commercial real estate broker.
Terms in a Commercial Lease
Learn about the important terms you'll need to negotiate in a commercial lease agreement.
Expansion and Improvements in Your Commercial Lease
Make sure your commercial lease includes options that cover changes in your business's needs.
Commercial Net Leases
With a commercial net lease, there are many terms that will need to be ironed out.
Gross Commercial Leases
Gross leases are simpler, but may be more expensive.
Using a Lawyer for a Commercial Lease Agreement
It's usually a good idea to involve a lawyer when negotiating a commercial lease agreement.
Auditing Your Commercial Lease
Does you monthly bill accurately reflect your commercial lease terms? Often times it doesn't.
Commercial Leases: Letter of Intent
The letter of intent is usually the first step in commercial lease negotiations.
Building Compliance in Commercial Leases
Make sure you understand who is responsible for compliance issues in your commercial space.
Security Deposits in a Commercial Lease
There is a lot of room for negotiation when it comes to security deposits.
Shared Expenses in a Commercial Lease
You'll want to understand who pays for the expenses.

Commercial Lease Forms Browse Legal Forms

These commercial office lease agreements are written by expert attorneys at Nolo for anyone renting out or leasing commercial rental space.

Commercial Gross Lease
This form contains everything businesses and landlords need to create their own gross lease.

Commercial Sublease
If you wish to sublease space to another business, this is the form you need.

Commercial Net Lease for Entire Building
This form contains everything businesses and landlords need to create their own net lease for a building.

Commercial Net Lease for Part of Building
This form contains everything businesses and landlords need to create their own net lease for a space within a building.