Lease Guides & Resources

1. Read the Entire Document: Don't skip sections even if they seem boring. 2. Identify Parties: Make sure all names and entity types are correct. 3. Review Financial Terms: Check rent, deposits, fees, and payment due dates. 4. Understand Duration: Know when the lease starts, ends, and renewal terms. 5. Check Maintenance: Clarify who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. 6. Review Rules: Understand property rules, pet policies, and restrictions. 7. Check Termination: Know how to break the lease and what penalties apply. 8. Review Liability: Understand insurance requirements and liability limitations. 9. Check for Red Flags: Look for unclear language or unusual restrictions. 10. Get Clarification: Ask the landlord or lawyer to explain unclear terms.

Unlimited Rent Increases: Watch for clauses allowing unlimited rent hikes without caps. Broad Maintenance: Avoid being responsible for all repairs including structural damage. Vague Termination: Ensure you understand exit costs and notice periods. Personal Guarantees: Be careful with clauses requiring personal liability. Non-Compete Clauses: Understand restrictions on your business activities. Auto-Renewal: Make sure renewal terms are clear and favorable. Subordination Clauses: Understand implications if the building is refinanced. Hidden Fees: Watch for "additional rent" and operating expense charges. Insurance Requirements: Ensure insurance requirements are reasonable. Exclusive Use Violations: Protect your right to operate your business.

Know Your Market: Research comparable rents and negotiate from a position of knowledge. Negotiate Rent: Start with a lower offer and work up. Landlords often have flexibility. Request Improvements: Ask for fixes or upgrades instead of accepting the property as-is. Negotiate Term: Longer leases often mean lower rent; shorter terms give flexibility. Security Deposit: Try to negotiate lower deposit or get flexibility on deductions. Pet Policy: If applicable, negotiate pet-related terms and fees. Maintenance: Clarify which repairs are the landlord's responsibility. Lease Breaks: Negotiate early termination options in case you need to leave. Move-in Specials: Ask about move-in cost assistance or rent reductions. References: Provide strong references to increase your negotiating power.