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Leasing Checklist In many states, commercial leases are not covered under consumer protection laws that normally safeguard tenant rights. It is assumed that commercial leases are contracts between knowledgeable business people, and therefore less government regulation is needed than in residential leases. Thus it is essential to scrutinize every aspect of the lease and renegotiate unfavorable terms before signing. If you run a retail establishment, insist upon a provision that prohibits the landlord from renting space in or near the same retail center to a competitor. If there is a dispute involving you and the leaser, by what method will it be resolved? Negotiating for mediation or arbitration rather than regular court is usually advantageous. Exactly how much space is being rented, and which areas are included? It is wise to take a tape measure and confirm the leaser's measurements, as they are often exaggerated. Finding a discrepancy in reported space and actual space is a valuable bargaining tool. Do you have the right to move to another space in the complex if you need more room to expand? Under what conditions can either party free themselves from the lease and what notice requirements are needed? In an effort to attract skilled employees, more employers are allowing pets in the workplace. Will the leaser permit pets in the space? Prices are always negotiable in commercial leases, and may depend greatly on concessions made with regard to other aspects of the lease as well as general market conditions. If options to renew are considered, what rent increases are allowable, and how are they calculated? The cost of utilities, taxes, and maintenance are often passed on to the tenant. If you agree to pay them, make certain that your portion is in line with the percentage of the building that you occupy. Improvements, modifications, and fixtures added to a rental space are called buildouts. Negotiation should include whether these are allowed, which party will pay for them, and who owns them after the lease ends. Many new businesses negotiate a short initial lease with one or more options to renew. Options give you the right to stay by notifying your landlord in writing a certain number of days or months before the lease expires. Landlords may want a higher rent for the renewal period as well as an extra fee in exchange for the option. The following factors may adversely affect the tax status of your leases:
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