How Businesses Can Protect Themselves When Leasing Commercial Property in California
In today’s hyper-competitive economic environment, location matters. Large, mid-sized, and small businesses must find the right commercial space for their specific needs. When you rent commercial space, you will need to sign a lease agreement. Businesses must ensure that their commercial lease effectively protects their rights and interests. Below, our Bay Area contract lawyers highlight the key things to know about protecting yourself and your business when leasing commercial property in California.
Steps Commercial Tenants Can Take to Protect Themselves When Leasing Property
A commercial lease is an agreement between a landlord and a tenant. It is the contract that governs the relationship between the parties. Here are the key things that businesses need to keep in mind when signing a commercial lease in the Bay Area:
A Written Lease Agreement is Essential:
In California, there are several different rules and regulations in place for residential leases. However, there are far fewer regulations for commercial leases. In other words, the language of the commercial lease agreement will almost always be enforced if there is a conflict. It is crucial that you have a well-drafted commercial lease that protects your interests.
An Agreement Should Be Reviewed by a Lawyer:
You do not have to figure out the entirety of a commercial lease agreement on your own. Lease agreements are well-known for their “legalese” and complex commercial terms. Make sure that your commercial lease agreement is reviewed by an experienced attorney.
There are Many Terms and Conditions to Watch for:
Commercial tenants are always going to look at the basic details of a lease agreement first: Where is the space, what is the rent, and how long does the agreement last for? There are many other terms and conditions that need to be considered as well, including common area maintenance obligations, property damage issues, liability risks, use restrictions or requirements, assignment rights, and much more. An experienced commercial lease attorney can help you understand these terms and their impact on your business’s future.
You Have the Right to Negotiate:
You are not required to take any specific lease agreement that a commercial landlord proposes. Your business has every right to negotiate the terms of the lease. Beyond negotiating the top-line number (rental obligations), it is also important to negotiate other key terms as well. A commercial lease attorney can help.
Always Consider What Comes After the Lease Ends:
What happens after the lease ends? Is your business out of the property? Do you have any option for extending the lease agreement? Do you have the first right to stay on the property? A long-term view is important. These issues can be negotiated and should always be considered.
Get Help from a Business Commercial Lease Review Attorney in the Bay Area
At Coepio Legal, our Bay Area business lawyers have extensive experience drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial leases. If you need help with a commercial lease, we are here to help. Give us a call now or contact us online to set up a fully confidential case review. From our law office in San Francisco, we help businesses with commercial leases throughout the Bay Area.
Get Connected to an
Actual Lawyer Now!