When to Have an Attorney Negotiate Your Commercial Lease

There are a number of legal issues that may arise or things that can go wrong with transactions involving commercial buildings for sale and negotiating commercial leases.  It is recommended that you use a commercial real estate attorney to assist you with the purchase and sale of commercial real estate and negotiating commercial leases and lease renewals.  A commercial real estate attorney will make sure your interests are being protected.  The attorney can help you with the following matters: 

• Negotiating and reviewing documents relating to commercial buildings for sale and commercial leases
• Advising you of pitfalls and helping you negotiate favorable lease terms which focus on your short and long term business goals
• Reviewing your current lease and help you negotiate a commercial lease renewal
• Advising you of your lease obligations
• Resolving disputes and representing you in litigation matters involving matters pertaining to breach of lease issues or evictions
• Negotiating an early termination of your commercial lease
• Advising you regarding real estate laws  

What to Negotiate in a Commercial Lease    

Negotiating commercial leases is complicated.  There are certain issues that you should address during the negotiations that your attorney can help you with to avoid landlord/tenant problems later.  These include the following: 

• Rent and rent increases
• Lease term
• Use of space
• Repairs and maintenance
• Tenant improvements
• Assignment and sublet
• Eviction
• Early lease termination
• Landlord building code violations
• Dispute resolution 

Since a commercial real estate attorney is an expert in commercial real estate laws, the attorney will make sure your lease has favorable terms and meets your needs.  You want to avoid having to litigate lease dispute matters during your lease term because they are expensive and disrupt your business.  The attorney will save you time and money by helping you solve potential lease problems. 

Other Reasons to Use a Commercial Real Estate Attorney

If you decide to purchase commercial real estate instead of leasing, a commercial real estate attorney can help you with the negotiations and due diligence including the following matters:  

• Title and transfer of ownership
• Deed restrictions
• Zoning, building use restrictions and obtaining variances
• Survey issues
• Environmental issues
• Building encroachments and easements issues

Use a Commercial Real Estate Attorney

While a real estate broker is an expert at finding commercial buildings for sale for their buyers, selling and marketing commercial real estate and finding tenants for commercial lease space, an attorney is the only person who can give you legal advice regarding commercial real estate laws.   The attorney can help you draft, review and negotiate a commercial real estate lease or purchase and sale contract when you buy commercial real estate.  The attorney can represent you in court regarding disputes that may arise under your lease or represent you in an eviction matter.