{"id":4573,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/important-commercial-lease-terms.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T02:31:22","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T07:31:22","slug":"important-commercial-lease-terms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/important-commercial-lease-terms.html","title":{"rendered":"Important Commercial Lease Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Important Commercial Lease Terms<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As a small business owner, the commercial lease agreement you sign for your business rental is critical for your company. Review the individual clauses carefully because each one has the potential for major headaches if you don’t understand what you’re signing.<\/p>\r\n

A common mistake for small businesses is failing to realize that a commercial lease<\/a> is nothing like a residential lease. In a residential lease, tenants have legal protections and rights that commercial tenants do not have. The law assumes that commercial property is being leased by business owners who understand lease negotiations and will put all their wants and needs into the lease itself.<\/p>\r\n

This is not always the case. If you’re unfamiliar with the various types of commercial leases, have a legal professional review your commercial lease agreement before signing. A business law attorney or real estate attorney can give you legal advice on the nature of the lease.<\/p>\r\n

Rent vs. Lease<\/h2>\r\n

Most people are familiar with a residential lease agreement. There is one monthly rental payment, some agreements about maintenance and security deposits, and perhaps some terms about parking and utilities.<\/p>\r\n

A commercial lease agreement <\/a>is much more complicated. A commercial lease contains:<\/p>\r\n