How to Lease Tenant-Friendly Commercial Space

Finding a tenant-friendly commercial space takes research and negotiation with the landlord. A commercial-friendly space should be able to optimize your exposure and attract more customers to your business while minimizing stress caused by problems with the landlord or space.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask the landlord pointed questions that pertain to your business. Find out about any restrictions placed upon you because of the landlord's insurance or building zoning.

2. Talk to other lessees. Ask the other tenants if they have any problems with the landlord.

3. Consider the ease of contact with the landlord. Find out if there is someone available to talk to at any time of day or night.

4. Look at the condition of the space. It should be clean and in move in condition. Find out about any lessee allowances. A lessee allowance is money deducted from rent if you make certain improvements.

5. Take the lease to an attorney to review. Ask him about any suggestions that he may have to make the lease more tenant friendly.

6. Check out the parking spaces allotted for your business if applicable. Think about the volume of customers that you expect. Decide if you will have enough spaces.

7. Negotiate the terms of the lease with the landlord. She may want to leave it as is but, you should ask anyway.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to factor in the cost of utilities and other applicable fees when you determine the total cost of leasing a commercial space.
• Never lease a space that hasn't been properly maintained. There will more than likely be problems with the space.

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