{"id":4594,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/top-reasons-to-consult-an-attorney-about-business-location.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T03:37:27","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T08:37:27","slug":"top-reasons-to-consult-an-attorney-about-business-location","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/top-reasons-to-consult-an-attorney-about-business-location.html","title":{"rendered":"Top Reasons to Consult an Attorney About Business Location"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Top Reasons to Consult an Attorney About Business Location<\/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

Small business owners should get legal advice when moving their business out of the virtual sphere and into the brick-and-mortar world. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of leasing property before looking into the legal ramifications of their actions. Your small company may be doing well online, but your financial and legal needs change once you’ve locked it into a five- or 10-year lease.<\/p>\r\n

One big reason to consult a small business attorney is to review your lease terms. A commercial lease<\/a> is much different than the residential leases most people are familiar with. However, you may want legal services long before you negotiate the lease. Learn what an attorney can tell you about your new business location.<\/p>\r\n

How a Business Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\r\n

Business attorneys can help you avoid mistakes that will cost you money later. One of their jobs is knowing local laws and what companies must do to comply. They can also assist with contract drafting and interpretation, business litigation, and other legal issues small businesses and startups face when leasing property. Some of the ways they can help your business include:<\/p>\r\n

1. Licenses and Permits<\/h3>\r\n

If you’re moving into a new location, you’ll need more than your business license<\/a>. Depending on the location and type of business, you may need a city business license or a use permit. You may also need specialized licenses such as food preparation or liquor licenses. Your attorney can tell you which licenses you need and how to apply for them.<\/p>\r\n

2. Business Insurance<\/h3>\r\n

Many commercial leases require business liability insurance. You’ll also need workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees. You may want other types of insurance, such as product liability or an auto liability insurance policy for delivery drivers. A small business lawyer can help you determine which types of policy you need and help you find the best deal.<\/p>\r\n

4. Taxes<\/h3>\r\n

Once you’re in a brick-and-mortar space, you’ll have a new set of taxes. The IRS may take a closer look at your business taxes. You may need to pay city and state sales taxes, depending on your location. Some leases pass part of the operating costs, including property taxes, to the tenant. These are legal matters that a business owner may overlook, but your attorney won’t miss them.<\/p>\r\n

5. Drafting and Reviewing the Lease<\/h3>\r\n

A commercial lease is quite different from a residential lease. Almost all terms in a commercial lease are negotiable<\/a>. At this point, you must have a business law attorney on call to review the lease and negotiate terms. As with any business contract, you and the landlord may have competing terms you want in the lease. Your attorneys may need to discuss these terms to avoid business disputes later. Some ways your attorney can prevent legal problems now and save you money later may include:<\/p>\r\n