The attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser have decades of experience representing individuals, investors, partnerships, businesses, developers and institutions in all aspects of commercial leasing. Whether this is your first venture into commercial leasing or you consider yourself a seasoned professional, it is important to have strong legal guidance every step of the way when leasing commercial property. There are many different types of commercial leases, so it is essential to have an attorney who can make sure you are getting the best lease for your situation. Our team routinely represents local, regional and national landlords and tenants in a variety of leasing transactions, including build-to-suit leases, retail leases, ground leases, subleases, office leases, and warehouse and industrial leases. No matter the size of the company, our attorneys are committed to helping clients complete transactions with minimal risk. If you need strong legal representation in a commercial leasing matter, contact Friedman Schuman Layser to schedule a consultation.
Types of commercial leases
An effective attorney can help you determine which lease structure is best for a potential lessee to achieve the desired results.
- Net Lease: This option can be used for any commercial lease and requires a tenant to pay rent, some or all taxes, maintenance, and insurance.
- Gross Lease: Often used for office and retail leases, a landlord will charge higher rent but include the costs of taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
- Triple Net Lease: The structure preferred by many commercial landlords which requires the Tenant to pay for all rent, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
- Percentage Rent Lease: Used for retail leases, this lease requires a base rent payment and a percentage of the monthly sales to be paid to the landlord.
Attorney’s role in commercial leases
Many wonder if it is truly necessary to obtain the help of an attorney when negotiating a commercial lease. Tenants might find themselves regretting the decision not to have a lease agreement reviewed by an attorney before signing it. There are many legal issues that can arise such as landlord/tenant disputes that could have been avoided if an attorney was involved from the beginning. Before signing a commercial lease agreement, it is important to have an attorney look over factors that may include:
- Whether the terms of the lease accurately reflect the business deal
- Confirmation of rent and other financial obligations such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance
- Rights of the tenant to use common facilities such as parking lots, loading areas, trash collection areas, etc.
- Options to extend or terminate the lease
- Risks associated with the lease
Contact an experienced Montgomery County commercial leasing attorney
If you are a prospective tenant looking into a commercial lease, it is important that you consult with a skilled real estate attorney who can make sure your rights are protected. If you have questions about commercial lease agreements, contact Friedman Schuman Layser to schedule a consultation today.